Components manufacturer Bourns Inc. has acquired Komatsulite Mfg. Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of safety devices for lithium-ion batteries. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Gordon Bourns, chairman of the board and CEO of Bourns, said the acquisition of Komatsulite was a “significant milestone” in Bourns’ plan for long-term growth because it adds “highly complementary products consistent with our strategic road map.”
Komatsulite’s mini-breaker devices enable long battery life, high current draw and fast recharge, while providing an effective mechanism to protect against over-temperature conditions. The devices are used with lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and ignite in portable equipment.
Komatsulite, based in Osaka, Japan, also makes specialty connectors and precision-molded components for electronics equipment. It has four manufacturing facilities in Japan and one in China. Komatsulite has in excess of $100 million in annual revenues.
Dr. Erik Meijer, president of Bourns Electronics, said new component technology introductions in the safety device arena are rare and Bourns was “excited about adding Komatsulite’s mini-breaker products to our broad range of protection technologies.”
Yoichi Yoshimura, president and CEO of Komatsulite, said the acquisition was “ideal for Komatsulite’s customers” because they will now have access to Bourns’ extensive global sales and technical support network.
"Our team is excited about joining Bourns and pursuing new opportunities for the Komatsuli business,” he said.
Bourns, based in Riverside, Calif., makes speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products. It services the automotive, industrial, consumer, communications, non-critical life support medical, audio and other market segments.
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