Mitcham Acquires L-3’s Klein Associates

Geophysical equipment supplier Mitcham Industries, Inc. has acquired L-3 Communications Klein Associates, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of sonar and waterside security systems to military and commercial customers, effective January 1, 2016.

 

Klein, now renamed Klein Marine Systems, Inc., was a wholly-owned subsidiary of L-3 Communications Corporation, a provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms, and a prime contractor in aerospace systems.

 

Rob Capps, Mitcham’s Co-CEO, commented, “This transaction provides a number of strategic benefits to Mitcham, including the expansion of our technology base and better utilization of our engineering resources. This transaction also expands our manufacturing operations, making them a larger part of the company, and gives us access to a broader range of technology and expertise. In addition, this acquisition should allow us to leverage our geographic footprint and longstanding customer relationships in the energy industry for the benefit of Klein’s product line. Furthermore, we expect this transaction will reduce Mitcham’s dependence on the cyclical energy industry.”

 

Guy Malden, Mitcham’s Co-CEO, added, “The hydrographic and oceanographic business in which Klein operates is a space we understand well. Our Australian subsidiary, Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, has been a distributor of Klein products for a number of years. In fact over the past two years, we have been Klein’s largest distributor and one of Klein’s largest customers. There are a number of striking similarities between Klein’s technology and manufacturing processes and those of our Seamap business. We believe this will lead to increased efficiencies in both operations, new applications for existing products and new product development opportunities.”