Sagem (Safran), the European leader in navigation systems, has acquired the Swiss company Colibrys SA, specialized in high-performance micro-sensors (acceleration and vibration) based on silicon MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technology.

Colibrys has developed world-class expertise in this market, and is a leading supplier to the energy, robotics, defense, automotive, rail, instrumentation and infrastructure sectors. It is also a long-standing partner to Sagem, which uses Colibrys’ precision accelerometers in a wide range of systems chosen by leading aircraft manufacturers (Airbus, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter, HAL, etc.).

Through this acquisition, Sagem expands its technology portfolio for navigation and stabilization solutions, building on its recognized expertise in inertial sensors, gyros (mechanical, laser, fiber-optic and vibrating) and accelerometers (pendulous and vibrating).

Colibrys has about 70 employees and annual sales of 12 million euros. It works closely with customers and partners in both Switzerland and international markets. Furthermore, the company is building brand-new facilities in Yverdon-les-Bains (Vaud Canton).

Sagem, a high-tech company of Safran, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 7,500 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

For more information: www.sagem-ds.com