Paris La Défense, 11 July 2016 - Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) announces today the signature by Thales Alenia Space of a definitive agreement to acquire RUAG’s opto-electronics business line. The transaction is subject to the usual closing conditions, and should be finalized by the end of the year.

Based in Zürich, RUAG’s opto-electronics and instruments product unit is specialized in scientific satellite instruments and in equipment for optical communications in space. The entity employs 75 people and recorded sales of 18 million Swiss francs in 2015 (16.6 million euros).

Thanks to this acquisition, Thales Alenia Space will both expand its European footprint and enhance the solutions it offers for today’s science, earth observation and telecommunications markets.

The acquisition reflects Thales Alenia Space’s development strategy in Europe, especially in countries that have shown an active and growing interest in the space sector, backed by investments. It will address both domestic and European government markets, and will also become an integral part of Thales Alenia Space’s export solutions. Thales Alenia Space’s latest acquisition follows the company’s opening of a plant in Germany in 2011, an expanded presence in Belgium with a new facility in Leuven in 2014, and the creation of a subsidiary in the United Kingdom in 2014 as well.

Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales, said: “this targeted acquisition is another illustration of Thales’s growth strategy. The unique expertise of RUAG’s opto-electronic business unit strengthens Thales Alenia Space’s product portfolio in the earth observation segment, and opens new opportunities in telecommunications and science.”

“It is our strategic goal to be the leading supplier of space products to the industry. We focus on Space structures, mechanisms, digital-electronics and high-frequency products. I am happy that we found with Thales Alenia Space a world class company giving this business a prosperous future”, said Peter Guggenbach, CEO RUAG Space.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 62,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €14 billion in 2015. With over 22,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world. www.thalesgroup.com

Contacts

Thales, Media Relations

Cédric Leurquin
+33 (0)1 57 77 86 26
pressroom@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Analysts/Investors
Bertrand Delcaire
+33 (0)1 57 77 89 02
ir@thalesgroup.com

About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo-Finmeccanica (33%), is a key European player in space telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies' “Space Alliance”, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues in excess of 2.1 billion euros in 2015, and has 7,500 employees in 8 countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com