Piezo and nanopositioning technologiy company PI (Physik Instrumente) recently acquired a majority share of micropositioning/motion control specialist Micos GmbH in Eschbach, Germany. The acquisition allows Karlsruhe-based PI to supplement its extensive nanopositioning and micropositioning portfolio with the products and know-how in the field of vacuum precision positioning applications and system integration. PI's product range of fast, high-precision positioning system solutions, is particularly expanded in the area of air bearing technology and electro-magnetic linear motors. In addition, high-load rotation stages and long-travel linear stages (up to 1000 mm) are now available. In the future, PI-Micos will operate as a subsidiary of PI GmbH & Co. KG and will be managed by Micos founder Lucius Amelung, who will remain in charge.

Both companies value customer proximity and customer orientation and are run by the principle of vertical integration, wherein all core technologies are developed and controlled in-house. Dr. Karl Spanner, managing director of PI, was pleased with the success of the negotiations: "We expect a lot from the synergy effects of this integration and are looking forward to the related challenges and a successful cooperation. Our use of common resources - such as technical know-how, many years of experience, highly qualified employees and extensive industry knowledge - opens up new potentials.  In addition, we expect even greater manufacturing flexibility in the future, since Micos GmbH has access to extensive precision machining equipment and has acquired substantial experience with precision manufacturing technologies."

The merger offers a number of advantages to customers of both companies: both product range and development expertise are expanded, and the density of the sales & service network is further increased. PI and Micos - two economically strong and firsthand owner-managed companies with similar corporate philosophies have commenced a partnership that will lead to new technological milestones in precision motion control products.