Berne -- The RUAG technology group is to become one of Europe's top providers of high-quality two-way laser systems. On 1 January 2006 RUAG will take over the activities of the specialist laser technology company C.O.E.L. GmbH of Wedel, Hamburg.

C.O.E.L. was set up as a family-run business in 1990 by its managing partner, Wilfried Goda. RUAG has been working extremely closely with C.O.E.L. on a number of projects for several years. Now that the succession issue has been settled, RUAG's acquisition has secured the successful partnership. The purchase price is subject to a secrecy agreement.

C.O.E.L. employs about 60 people, the majority of whom are physicists and engineers. This year it will generate sales of around EUR 9 million. The company will be integrated into the Simulation and Training division of RUAG subsidiary RUAG Electronics. Wilfried Goda will remain managing director of C.O.E.L. until he reaches retirement age. RUAG Electronics employs 250 people in its Simulation and Training division and generates sales of CHF 80 million.

This acquisition will improve RUAG's position as a supplier of simulation and training equipment for security forces and make it one of the European leaders in the field.

RUAG
15.11.2005