Luxium Solutions to Acquire PLX

March 4, 2024 — Luxium Solutions, LLC (“Luxium” or the “Company”), a worldwide technology leader and provider of high-performance crystals used in photonics and radiation detection applications, has entered into an agreement to acquire PLX Inc. and PLX UK, Ltd, (collectively, “PLX”) from an investor group led by Tinicum. The addition of PLX broadens Luxium’s offering of Detection Enabling Technologies by enhancing its suite of photonics assembly solutions which are complemented with high-end optical engineering and design services. PLX is Luxium’s first acquisition since its 2022 investment by investment funds affiliated with SK Capital Partners, LP (“SK Capital”) and Edgewater Capital Partners, LP (“Edgewater”), both private investment firms focused on the specialty materials and chemicals sectors. 

Headquartered in Deer Park, New York, PLX is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision optical assemblies and products for the defense and aerospace sectors as well as other industries. PLX’s solutions are deployed in a range of harsh environments and high-end applications where structural integrity and accuracy over time are critical, such as Military Fire Control Systems, Bore sighting, Beam Alignment and Delivery Systems, Laser Tracking, Environmental Monitoring, Metrology, and Satellite Ranging. PLX’s proprietary and patented Monolithic Optical Structure Technology (M.O.S.T.TM) integrates complex optical elements into compact monolithic structures, achieving exceptional accuracy and stability under severe environmental conditions.  

“We are thrilled to partner with PLX’s experienced team of technical experts, believing the acquisition will greatly enhance the value and breadth of solutions we can offer to our customers,” said Michael Cahill, CEO of Luxium Solutions. “Both Luxium and PLX bring complementary technical expertise in applied material sciences to enable the applications of our customers. The partnership represents a step change in the expanded scope of offerings to the demanding needs of our customers. The PLX team is comprised of renowned experts in light manipulation and laser tracking and beam alignment, bringing a wealth of knowledge in optomechanical engineering and systems integration expertise which is supported with a portfolio of intellectual property.” 

“We believe Luxium is the right partner for PLX in its next phase of growth. Luxium and PLX share a strong alignment in their go-to-market strategies emphasizing collaboration with customers to develop customized solutions. Furthermore, it’s clear that both companies share common values grounded in scientific excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction,” said Itai Vishnia, CEO of PLX, who will continue to lead the PLX group within the Luxium portfolio.   

“The PLX partnership progresses our vision of broadening Luxium’s detection enabling technologies offering. Both companies are true market leaders and experts in enabling mission critical applications with material science-based solutions. We look forward to continuing to build and broaden our solution offering and stellar scientific foundation,” said Mario Toukan, Managing Director of SK Capital Partners 

Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal counsel to Luxium Solutions LLC. Debt financing was provided by KeyBanc Capital Markets. PLX was advised by CriticalPoint Partners, LLC (lead financial advisor) and Goodwin Procter LLP (legal counsel). Tinicum was advised by Citizens Capital Markets, Inc. (financial advisor).   

About Luxium Solutions  

Headquartered in Hiram, Ohio, Luxium is recognized as a worldwide technology leader and provider of single crystal scintillation materials for radiation detection applications, as well as sapphire and garnet substrates for photonics and power electronics. The Company differentiates itself with capabilities and know-how in crystal growth, packaging and integration, and unique intellectual property supported by a portfolio of greater than 170 patents. With 400+ employees across production facilities in the US, France, and India, and sales offices in China and Japan, Luxium serves a global base of 650+ customers across a diverse set of applications across medical imaging, security and border protection, semiconductor, aerospace and defense, oil and gas and other industrial markets. For more information, please visit Luxiumsolutions.com.  

About PLX  

PLX is a leader and innovator in monolithic optics providing countless solutions to meet next generational optical requirements for the Defense, Aerospace, and Commercial industries. For the past 60 years PLX has been at the forefront of developing high-quality monolithic optics that can withstand and perform under the harshest environmental conditions while maintaining their accuracy over time. PLX clients include some of the world’s leading space and defense contractors as well as laboratories around the world. PLX’s proprietary, Monolithic Optical Structure Technology (M.O.S.T.^TM), integrates complex optical elements into compact monolithic structures, achieving exceptional accuracy and stability under severe environmental conditions. To meet the demands of a new generation of optical requirements, PLX offers total sub-system and system integration capabilities, including solutions for emerging LIDAR, Laser tracking and FSO (Free Space Optics) applications. For more information, please visit plxinc.com.

About SK Capital Partners 

SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. The Firm seeks to build resilient, sustainable, and growing businesses that create substantial long-term economic value. SK Capital aims to utilize its industry, operating, and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth, and profitability, as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital’s portfolio of businesses generates revenues of approximately $14 billion annually, employs more than 25,000 people globally, and operates more than 200 plants in over 30 countries. The Firm currently has approximately $7.9 billion in assets under management. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com/. 

About Edgewater Capital Partners 

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Edgewater Capital Partners is a sector-focused private equity firm investing in lower middle-market performance materials and services businesses. The firm has extensive experience in investing in the people, technology, and facilities to accelerate the growth trajectory of specialty industrials, life sciences, advanced materials, and specialty chemicals businesses. Over twenty-five years of industry specific investing has allowed the firm to develop a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances common to these businesses. For more information, please visit at www.edgewatercapital.com   

About Tinicum 

Tinicum is a private investment firm with more than 30 years of experience investing in private and public companies. Tinicum invests in businesses for the long term and seeks to partner with owners, families and managers who share a similar approach.  For more information about Tinicum visit www.tinicum.com