October 8, 2007 - Germany's Aixtron AG has agreed to acquire UK-based startup Nanoinstruments, a manufacturer of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma enhanced CVD research systems for nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, to extend its portfolio "in the mid- and long term within the nanotechnology application space."

The combined company, AIXTRON Nanoinstruments, will focus on both R&D and industrial scale carbon nanotube equipment, combining the U. of Cambridge spinoff's technical expertise with Aixtron's technical resources, manufacturing capabilities, and international sales/service/support network, the firms explained in a statement.

"This emerging technology is highly complimentary to our core skill set," stated Paul Hyland, president/CEO of AIXTRON, noting that since its spinoff in 2005 Nanoinstruments has already supplied systems "to key research and industrial institutions around the world."

Nanoinstruments founder Ken Teo added that "AIXTRON is the right partner to take our technology to the next level," adding that the deal will help tighten ties with customers through Aixtron's subsidiaries in the US, Europe, Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan.