Acquisition brings ECA Group and iXblue under one roof
Groupe Gorgé on 29 September announced the complementary acquisition of iXblue to operate alongside ECA Group as a ‘European high-tech industrial champion in the fields of robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics’.
The deal creates a combined headcount of 1,500 staff with annual turnover of €250 million ($245.5 million), Group Gorgé added.
Shephard reported in December 2021 that iXblue was looking for investors from the French capital markets, with indications of interest from French private equity firm HLD and major bank Crédit Agricole.
The two companies have a history of cooperation in naval technology programmes, with a recent example in Poland combining iXblue's Gaps M7 USBL positioning system and ECA Group's R7 ROV.
With its portfolio of USVs and navigation systems, iXblue is involved in multiple European naval programmes such as the Type 212CD submarine for Germany and Norway, the Squadron 2020 corvette for Finland and the FDI frigate for France and Greece.
ECA is known for its autonomous vessels, with a particular expertise in mine warfare.
‘Together, iXblue and ECA Group will provide customers with a unique offer ranging from components to complex systems to support critical missions in severe environments,’ Groupe Gorgé claimed.
More from Defence Notes
-
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
-
European Commission sets out first-ever European Defence Industrial strategy
The strategy set out by the Commission will aim to bolster Europe’s defence industry, foster innovation and strengthen international alliances.
-
Boeing fined $51 million due to unauthorised exports
An administrative settlement between the US Department of State and the manufacturer resolved 199 violations of US regulations including unauthorised exports of technical data to China.