November 30, 2011 – Mersen (formerly Ferraz Shawmut) says has entered into an agreement in principle with Eldre, a global player in laminated busbars, for its acquisition. This acquisition, says Mersen, will allow it to expand its current product range “supporting the improvement of efficiency, performance and safety of power electronics”.

Already a global player in fuses and cooling products for the protection of semiconductors, Mersen will now add laminated busbars to its bundled offer. The group aims to “reinforce its position as a global reference partner for power electronics applications”.

Power electronics applications are used in Mersen’s targeted growth markets, says the company, like energy (photovoltaic, wind, etc.), transportation (rail traction) and electronics (drives/inverters).

Based in Rochester, N.Y., Eldre is a family owned business with manufacturing facilities in the States and France, and employs about 300 people. The business will be integrated into Mersen’s Electrical Components and Technologies segment.

“I’m delighted to welcome the team that has driven Eldre to its leading position. With our ongoing portfolio expansion and our current global operations, we bring our application expertise and logistic support to our partner customers at the heart of their power electronics solutions,” said Marc Vinet, Mersen’s group VP, Electrical Protection, and member of the management board.