ZEISS Acquires US-based Xradia

ZEISS, the international leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics announced today that the acquisition of US-based Xradia, Inc. has been completed. The closing took place on July 12, 2013 after all formal conditions, as set in the Acquisition Agreement, were fulfilled. Xradia, Inc. is now operating under the new name of Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy, Inc.

This acquisition further strengthens the position of the ZEISS Microscopy business group, the only manufacturer of light, electron and X-ray microscopes, with unique solutions for research and routine inspection in materials and life sciences application fields.

X-ray microscopes show unique capabilities in materials research, allowing for 3D imaging of the internal structure of materials. Spatial resolution down to 50 nanometers can be achieved on a laboratory-based system. The non-destructive nature of X-ray imaging enables the observation and quantification of microstructural evolution in the same region of a single sample over time, or under changing environmental conditions. Several examples of in situ and 4D (three-dimensional imaging over time) experiments are proving beneficial for research and industry, including crack propagation in ceramics and metals, porosity and permeability characterization of geological and functional materials, failure analysis of structural materials, biomechanical systems under load, and the evolution of defects in operating lithium ion batteries and fuel cells.

X-ray microscopes close the resolution gap between light and electron microscopy and offer scientists multiple new imaging modalities to complement their research. The unique optical design allows the ZEISS Xradia Ultra and Versa series to cover a large resolution range, enabling the user to easily find the region of interest by zooming into larger samples (Scout-and-Zoom). ZEISS is working towards integrated workflow solutions for life sciences and materials research. In materials science, this is typically achieved by using X-ray microscopes to perform non-destructive 4D microstructural evolution experiments prior to destructive sectioning and then using electron microscope techniques for additional resolution and contrast. In life sciences, X-ray microscopes are being used to provide a navigational map of the subsurface after tissue samples have been stained for electron microscope investigation. By incorporating 3D X-ray microscopes into this workflow, the emerging 3D electron microscope techniques will gain a significant boost in efficiency.

While maintaining close customer relationships and continuing with current projects, ZEISS is leveraging its vast sales force to make the X-ray technology more accessible in a broader range of applications and workflows. Customers will also benefit from direct service capabilities at multiple locations globally.

ZEISS
The Carl Zeiss Group is an international leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In fiscal year 2011/12 the company's approximately 24,000 employees generated revenue of nearly 4.2 billion euros. In the markets for Industrial Solutions, Research Solutions, Medical Technology and Consumer Optics, ZEISS has contributed to technological progress for more than 160 years and enhances the quality of life of many people around the globe. The Carl Zeiss Group develops and produces planetariums, eyeglass lenses, camera and cine lenses and binoculars as well as solutions for biomedical research, medical technology and the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries. ZEISS is present in over 40 countries around the globe with about 40 production facilities, over 50 sales and service locations and service locations and approximately 20 research and development sites. Carl Zeiss AG is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany.

Microscopy

The Microscopy business group at ZEISS is the world's only manufacturer of light, X-ray and electron microscopes. The company's extensive portfolio enables research and routine applications in the life and materials sciences. The product range includes light and laser scanning microscopes, X-ray microscopes, electron and ion microscopes and spectrometer modules. Users are supported for software for system control, image capture and editing. The Microscopy business group has sales companies in 33 countries. Application and service specialists support customers around the globe in demo centers and on site. The business group is headquartered in Jena, Germany. Additional production and development sites are in Oberkochen, Göttingen and Munich, as well as in Cambridge in the UK and Peabody, MA and Pleasanton, CA in the USA. The company has around 2,800 employees and generates revenue of 650 million euros.