PR94978

SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, France and TOULON, France, March 14, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

ECA Group and iXblue have entered an exclusive negotiations period to bring the

two French companies together. Carried out by Group Gorge, this operation will

lead to the rise of a European high-tech industrial champion in the fields of

maritime, inertial navigation, space and photonics.

Long-standing partners, ECA Group and iXblue benefit from strong technological

and commercial synergies. Bringing those two companies together will create a

world-class player in the civil and defense sectors. With a unique offer

ranging from components to complex systems, the group will provide high

performance solutions for critical missions in harsh environments.

"Our two companies share the same culture of innovation, agility and

entrepreneurship that are at the heart of each of our DNAs and for which we are

both recognized and valued," explains Fabien Napolitano, President & CEO of

iXblue. "The new synergies created will not only ensure we keep this DNA but

will also strengthen our capacity for innovation by leveraging our

complementary expertise. This will allow us to continue to push the

technological frontiers and support our customers in their most demanding

challenges."

"The joining of our two companies, which will employ over 1,500 people, offers

great growth opportunities," rejoices Dominique Giannoni, CEO of ECA Group.

"Once combined, our various technological expertise will greatly help

strengthen our leadership positions in our markets, while our complementary

geographical footprint will enable us to better serve our customers by being

closer to them."

About ECA Group

ECA Group is a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé since 1992, owned at 100%. The

company is one of the world leaders in the field of autonomous robotics and

integrated systems, particularly in the naval sector. The company provides its

customers with the most efficient and technologically advanced solutions in the

field of naval, land and air drones. ECA Group also offers innovative

technological solutions for the Aeronautics and Space sectors.

About iXblue

iXblue is a global high-tech company recognized worldwide for delivering

advanced navigation, photonics and maritime autonomy solutions. From components

to systems and comprehensive solutions, iXblue critical technologies are at

work in both the civil and defense markets. They meet customers demanding

requirements for successful missions in the most challenging environments, from

the deep sea to outer space.

iXblue

Marion Seyve

Global Marketing & Communication Manager

marion.seyve@ixblue.com  

ECA Group

Heli Reinikainen

Marketing Manager

reinikainen.h@ecagroup.com

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Source:  iXblue and ECA Group