The Ottawa optical technology maker will take over Versawave Technologies Inc., a Vancouver-based firm that specializes in components for high-speed data and high-bandwidth optical transmission.
The acquisition, a first for Optelian, will expand its customers in the defence and space industries, where VersaWave does business, said CEO David Weymouth in an interview with OBJ.
Versawave will continue operations at its Vancouver facility with current chief executive Hiroshi Kato leading the team, Optelian stated. The number of personnel at the facility has not been publicly disclosed yet, Mr. Weymouth added.
The Vancouver firm's polarization modulation technology can make high-speed Internet even more efficient, and is a "game-changer" in the industry, he said. The acquisition amount was not disclosed.
"There's some really really good technology linkages and work that's been done," he said of Versawave, adding the company collaborates on high-speed technologies with the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington.
Optelian was named one of Ottawa's fastest-growing companies in 2011, with revenue growth during the past three fiscal years averaging more than 55 per cent.
In June, the company said it would move its design and manufacturing operations to a facility of 35,000 square feet – double the past space – because of rapid sales growth of both its products and solutions.
The firm's technology customizes fibre-optic network systems to clients' needs.
Optelian has more than 200 clients that mainly are telecommunications companies in the United States, such as Montana's Blackfoot Telecommunications and Georgia Public Web. The company is pushing aggressive growth internationally, partly through distribution partners.
The nine-year old company recently opened a small office in Marietta, Ga., that includes sales, marketing and service operations.
Optelian has 170 employees, with between 140 and 150 of those based in Ottawa.
