The LASEA Group, a world leader in the design and manufacture of precision laser machines, announces the acquisition of LASER CHEVAL, located in Marnay, near Besançon (France). Continuing on its growth trajectory, LASEA consolidates its strong position in Switzerland and France and extends its offer in welding and marking applications.
With offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland and the United States, LASEA develops and produces extremely precise laser micromachining systems and solutions for various industries. Its main customers, spread over five continents, are leading players or technological innovators active in the luxury sector, MedTech, Big Tech and electronics, as well as research institutes. Thanks to the machines and solutions of LASEA, their customers revolutionize production processes and commercial offers.
Previously a member of the IMI group (Industries Micromécaniques Internationales), LASER CHEVAL strengthens LASEA’s European presence while expanding its product range. With 50 years of laser expertise, LASER CHEVAL designs and manufactures proven and effective solutions for laser marking, engraving, fine welding and micro-cutting applications. Located in the center of a region specializing in high precision machining, LASER CHEVAL is the leading French manufacturer of industrial lasers. Through its values, its know-how and its detailed knowledge of the trades (watchmaking, jewellery, luxury, medical technologies, micromechanics, aerospace…), it is a reference in this market.
“The IMI Group is experiencing strong growth in the manufacturing of components for the luxury sector. We have therefore decided to strategically refocus on our activity of manufacturing components for the watchmaking, jewellery and high-tech industries. In this context, we wanted to sell LASER CHEVAL to a solid industrial player that would guarantee its continuity while embracing its development. We are convinced that the LASEA Group has these qualities,” said Antoine GERARD, President of the IMI Group.
Following this acquisition, LASER CHEVAL will continue to carry out its activities autonomously under the direction of its Managing Director, Emric VERWAERDE:
“Within the IMI Group, LASER CHEVAL has grown for 50 years. In recent years, we have known major technical developments and successes with the redesign of our range of machines, the integration of femtosecond technology and the strengthening of our customer services. By joining the LASEA group, we will be able to take advantage of these and also LASEA’s strengths with the sole objective of adding more value to our customers. We are therefore starting this new collaboration with great enthusiasm and anticipation.”
Both companies share the same passion for laser technology and a common vision of a customer-oriented approach with leading expertise in precision machining. The strategic alliance with this French technology gem will allow LASEA to :
- Strengthen its position in France and Switzerland in the field of micro-machining, a speciality of both companies
- Increase its capacities in marking and welding
- Expand the group’s product portfolio
- Accelerate the launch of new products in the medical and energy markets
The new group will employ 160 people in 6 locations in 4 countries.
Axel Kupisiewicz, CEO of LASEA:
“We are delighted to welcome new passionate employees to LASEA. This merger is fully in line with our growth strategy and will also allow interesting technical synergies. The complementarity between our innovative texturizations and micro-welding will, for example, offer new opportunities for our customers in the field of batteries and fuel cells.”
About LASEA
- Created in 1999, LASEA supplies production lines to the most prestigious companies in the world, including the TOP3 of the Swiss watchmaking industry, the leaders in eyewear manufacturing, the pharmaceutical and medical industries (intraocular, vascular and cochlear implants), as well as several big names in Silicon Valley.
- With 120 employees, it has already installed more than 1.500 machines (systems and production lines operating 24 hours a day) in more than 30 countries (on all 5 continents).
- In addition to its headquarters in Belgium (Liège Science Park), it has subsidiaries in Mons (Belgium), Bordeaux (France), San Diego (USA) and Biel (Switzerland). o More information on www.lasea.com
About LASER CHEVAL
- Founded in 1972, Cheval Frères has been a pioneer in the use of lasers to meet the needs for the drilling of ruby in watches and manufactured its first machines in 1975.
- At the end of 1999, after a strong development of the laser technology, the legal entity LASER CHEVAL was created.
- With 40 passionate employees, the company has installed more than 1.800 machines.
- The company has become a key player in France and Switzerland for the supply of machines and subcontracting for marking, micromachining and welding applications.
- More information on www.lasercheval.fr
Press contact
Violette Marbehant
Marketing & Communication Manager – LASEA Group
+32 497 43 46 63
vmarbehant@lasea.com
