Paris, France, and Fairfield, NJ, USA, December 16th, 2008 - Sofradir, a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared (IR) detectors for military, space and industrial applications, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the New Jersey (USA) IR equipment company, Electrophysics.

Sofradir, headquartered in France, wholly owns Electrophysics, which has been renamed Sofradir EC (Sofradir Engineered Components).

Frank Vallese, former owner of Electrophysics, will head Sofradir EC as president. Philippe Bensussan, chairman and CEO of Sofradir and chairman of ULIS, will also serve as chairman of Sofradir EC.

"The name Sofradir EC is intended to leverage the strength of our brand and reputation as a quality supplier of IR detectors in the defense, space and commercial industries," said Bensussan. "Sofradir EC will help our company meet the specific needs of North American customers of cooled and uncooled IR detectors." The estimated North American market for infrared detectors is USD 1 billion.

Sofradir EC will continue developing and supplying infrared equipment such as specialized thermography equipment, and night vision modules for low-light photography and videography, focusing on scientific, industrial, public safety, security and defense applications.