Crystal IS, a developer of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVC LEDs) and germicidal LED technology, has announced that it has merged with the Asahi Kasei Group, a diversified industrial enterprise. The merger took place on December 28, 2011 and Crystal IS has become a wholly owned subsidiary.
Germicidal LED made by Crystal IS, Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)
The merger will allow Crystal IS to speed-up its commercialization process for UVC LEDs by utilizing the abilities of Asahi Kasei in product manufacturing and engineering. After the merger, Crystal IS will take care of entrepreneurial business development and R&D fundamentals, while Asahi Kasei will lead the effort in product engineering and manufacturing excellence.
CEO and President of Crystal IS, Dr. Steven Berger, stated that the merger was an important milestone for the company. The performance of the company in the development of LED has created interest in international customers. The support of the Asahi Kasei Group will help Crystal IS to launch its UVC LED business in the international arena, he added.
Asahi Kasei’s General Manager of Advanced Devices and Sensor Systems Development Center, Masafumi Nakao, stated that the company was committed to bring to the market different products that contribute to people’s life and living. Crystal IS has made significant progress in germicidal UVC technology, which will contribute towards safe and clean disinfection in surface, air and water applications, he said.
Crystal IS has received support from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, and the regional and US government. It has also received venture funding from the Credit Suisse/New York State Common Retirement Fund, Lux Capital, Harris & Harris Group, and ARCH Venture Partners.
Financial details about the merger have not been disclosed. The company will continue to operate from the New York State.