Melexis N.V. Further Invests In Sensor Technology By Acquiring Sentron AG.

This acquisition follows a long-time Research and Development partnership between both companies. Sentron provides to its customers advanced magnetic sensors and the corresponding development and engineering services. Melexis brings manufacturing and automotive expertise to the magnetic sensing technology advances pioneered by Sentron.

Sentron AG was founded in 1993 as a privately owned Swiss stock corporation. The company is based in Zug, near Zurich, and has a branch office in the science park of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). Their turnover in 2003 was €1.375.000.

"The patented Sentron magnetic sensing technology is complementary to the Melexis Hall sensors. Melexis sees many opportunities to market this technology in several automotive integrated systems such as electronic compass applications, position sensing for electronic throttle control, contactless position sensors for air-conditioning flaps, seat position and headlamp position" says Vincent Hiligsmann, product marketing manager Hall sensors at Melexis. Rudi De Winter, CEO, adds that "this acquisition will allow Melexis to offer the automotive industry with major advantages using Melexis Hall sensor technology in their products. It will give Melexis a considerable leading edge over its competitors".