Micross Components, Inc. ("Micross"), a leading supplier of high-reliability microelectronics products and engineering services for the aerospace, defense, space, medical, and industrial sectors, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Germany-based AEMtec GmbH ("AEMtec").

Micross is backed by Behrman Capital, while AEMtec is part of the Capiton investment portfolio.

The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Micross by strengthening its presence across continental Europe and expanding its portfolio of advanced microelectronic products and services. Headquartered in Berlin, AEMtec is recognized for its expertise in the design, packaging, testing, and assembly of sophisticated microelectronic and optoelectronic modules used in high-reliability applications. The company provides comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle, including design, prototype development, industrialization, qualification, volume production, and ongoing lifecycle management.

AEMtec's technical capabilities include wafer back-end processing, wafer testing, chip-on-board technology, flip-chip assembly, three-dimensional integration, and optoelectronic packaging. These services are delivered from advanced cleanroom facilities located in Berlin, Dresden, and Boston, Massachusetts. Its specialization in precision assembly and miniaturized electronic systems enables the company to meet the stringent performance and reliability requirements of mission-critical applications.

The company serves customers across several demanding industries, including semiconductors, medical technology, biotechnology, industrial automation, telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Known for its engineering excellence and dependable manufacturing capabilities, AEMtec has established itself as a trusted development and production partner for leading global organizations. Following the acquisition, AEMtec's management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Robert Giertz, will become part of the Micross organization.

This transaction marks Micross' eleventh acquisition under Behrman Capital's ownership and its seventh since the continuation fund transaction completed in February 2022. The acquisition aligns with Micross' long-term growth strategy by expanding its expertise in advanced packaging, photonics, and testing technologies. It also significantly increases the company's engineering and manufacturing footprint in Europe, enabling closer collaboration with European customers and creating new opportunities for future business expansion. Additionally, the acquisition enhances Micross' optoelectronic packaging capabilities while strengthening support for Europe's defense and high-reliability electronics industries.

Jim Cannon, Chief Executive Officer of Micross, welcomed the acquisition, noting that AEMtec's expertise in advanced packaging, photonics, and optoelectronics complements Micross' existing capabilities. He emphasized that the addition of AEMtec establishes Micross' first large-scale operational base in continental Europe, complementing its facilities in the United Kingdom and Denmark. Cannon added that the combined organization will be well positioned to pursue new opportunities and deliver innovative, high-performance solutions to customers across Europe and other global markets.

Robert Giertz, Chief Executive Officer of AEMtec, expressed enthusiasm about joining Micross, stating that the combination brings together complementary technological strengths and market expertise. He highlighted the opportunities for growth that the partnership will create for both customers and employees.

Simon Lonergan, Managing Partner at Behrman Capital, stated that the acquisition further strengthens Micross' position in the global high-reliability microelectronics market. He noted that the transaction supports the company's strategy of building a comprehensive international platform for high-reliability products and services while expanding access to the growing European market. He also reaffirmed Behrman Capital's commitment to supporting Micross' management team in driving future growth.

The financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed during the second half of 2026, subject to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals. Harris Williams served as the exclusive financial advisor to Micross, while Goodwin Procter LLP acted as legal counsel for the transaction.

Bayer will highlight its solutions for regenerative agriculture at this year's Fruit Logistica, which will be held in Berlin from February 8-10 (Bayer booth: hall 1.2, stand C23), which means striking a balance between productivity outcomes and environmental protection while meeting the needs of society and farmers. Collaboration with players throughout the food chain is critical to regenerative agriculture.

“The pressure on food systems is rising each year. To nutritiously feed a growing world population while protecting the planet’s boundaries, we need to produce more food with less resources and develop solutions that can cope with climate change,” said Inci Dannenberg, President of Global Vegetable Seeds at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “The challenges are so big and multi-faceted that they can only be addressed if we join forces.”

Biological innovation with enormous environmental and commercial potential

Bayer's advancement in Biologicals, or agricultural inputs derived from biological rather than synthetic processing, is one pillar in that collaborative approach to regenerative agriculture. The company has recently entered into a number of promising collaborations in that space, which will be highlighted at Bayer's booth at Fruit Logistica.

Bayer recently formed a strategic alliance with the Spanish biologicals company Kimitec to accelerate the development and commercialization of biological crop protection products as well as biostimulants to promote plant growth. Bayer also formed a partnership with the French company M2i Group to supply pheromone-based biological crop protection products to fruit and vegetable growers worldwide. Ginkgo Bioworks and Bayer announced a multi-year strategic partnership in 2022 to develop biological solutions in areas such as nitrogen optimization, carbon sequestration, and next generation crop protection.

Driving the development of biologicals is promising because it addresses both environmental and commercial potential. While reducing environmental impact, the biologicals market is expected to grow to nearly €25 billion by 2028.

Through seed innovation and food chain collaboration, we can improve sustainability and access to essential nutrients.

Not only is the world dealing with food insecurity, the need for a more sustainable and regenerative food system, and climate change, but it is also dealing with a nutrition gap. Bayer has been developing various innovative solutions to address these challenges through its Vegetables by Bayer business, as well as its Seminis® and De Ruiter® brands. Fruit Logistica highlights Strabena tomato with excellent vine attachment and improved shelf life, reducing the need for plastic packaging.

Orange Candy® melon, which has good field holding and a longer shelf life, can help reduce losses, as can the Huntington sweet pepper, a climate resilient variety. Bayer will also showcase its comprehensive offering to combat the tomato virus (ToBRFV), which is one of the most difficult challenges for growers. This includes De Ruiter® varieties with Intermediate Resistance to ToBRFV, such as Strabini, which are already commercially available in many glasshouses, as well as the two new varieties Ferreira and Novero, which were recently introduced in North America and Mexico.

Bayer, through The Nutrient Gap Initiative, also engages in direct intervention, education, and advocacy to increase access to essential vitamins and minerals, particularly in underserved communities. Initially spearheaded by Bayer's Consumer Health division, Bayer's Crop Science division will join in 2023, emphasizing the importance of access to essential nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Another example of how Bayer contributes to food security and nutrition supply by collaborating with partners throughout the food value chain is the company's effort to halt the spread of Tropical Race 4. (TR4). This disease threatens the survival of the banana as we know it. It causes lethal wilt in banana plants, and an infested plantation will lose all of its production for that year, and possibly for several years. Bayer has collaborated with the Global Alliance Against TR4 and has trained hundreds of banana farmers on TR4 prevention through a module of its BayG.A.P. program.

BayG.A.P. is a service program that assists and educates farmers all over the world in becoming certified and connected to the food value chain.