DALLAS, TX, April 18, 2006 - L-3 Communications Infrared Products (L-3 Infrared Products), a division of L-3 Communications Corporation, announced today that it has concluded an agreement with Umicore for the sale of L-3’s capabilities in the production of unique chalcogenide infrared optical glass and lenses. As a result of the sale, Umicore will acquire extensive intellectual property, equipment and materials previously associated with L-3’s operation in Dallas, Texas.
“This agreement enables L-3 Infrared Products to increase its focus on its core competency of developing and producing infrared cameras and sensors,” said Mike Studer, vice president of marketing for L-3 Communications. “It’s a move that benefits both organizations and, ultimately, serves to further improve our offerings to our growing customer base.”
L-3, a market pioneer in uncooled thermal imaging, will transfer existing lens production to Umicore and maintain its current focus on production of infrared sensors and cameras. With the purchase of L-3’s assets, Umicore, a supplier of glass materials and lenses for infrared imaging applications, expands its existing portfolio of chalcogenide infrared glass materials and fabrication processes.
Located in Dallas, Texas, L-3 Communications Infrared Products is a leading producer of uncooled thermal imaging products for the public safety, fire and rescue, security, transportation and industrial markets. L-3 Infrared Products has been a pioneer in developing the commercial market for thermal imaging products and is the market leader in the production of uncooled thermal infrared detectors and imaging systems. The company’s customer base includes both government and industrial customers in North America as well as Europe and Asia. L-3 Infrared Products currently provides handheld, stationary and vehicle-mounted camera systems for a variety of public safety, transportation and first responder and rescue services.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.
To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company’s web site at www.L-3Com.com.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.