With interconnect, passive and electromechanical IP&E component suppliers about to announce their quarterly earnings over the next few weeks, one fact is certain: several are now fatter companies thanks to a second quarter buying spree of smaller companies.
Over the past quarter, major companies, including TE Connectivity, Vishay, Molex, and Bel Fuse, have snatched up smaller rivals as they seek to expand their product portfolios and become more of a “one-stop” vendor to their OEM and distributor customers.Arguably the biggest move was made by interconnections giant TE Connectivity, which in June acquired Measurement Specialties, a Hampton, Va.-based supplier of sensors and sensor-based systems, for $1.7 billion. The deal expands TE Connectivity’s sensor portfolio beyond automotive sensors and magneto inductive industrial sensors to include pressure, vibration, force, temperature, humidity, ultrasonic, position and fluid sensors.“The acquisition of Measurement Specialties is a key part of our strategy to be a leader in the very attractive, high-growth sensor industry and adds nearly $40 billion to our addressable market,” said Tom Lynch, TE Connectivity Chairman and CEO, in a statement.TE Connectivity also expanded its huge interconnection products portfolio, having recently completed the acquisition of the SEACON Group, which supplies connectors for underwater systems. The deal, announced in April, gives TE Connectivity a larger presence in military, oil and gas, and oceanographic applications.
