Micross Buys German Tech Gem AEMtec in a Strategic European Power Play

MELVILLE, N.Y. – July 28, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant strategic realignment in the global high-reliability electronics market, U.S.-based Micross Components has announced its definitive agreement to acquire AEMtec GmbH, a premier German specialist in micro- and optoelectronic packaging. While the press release highlights expanded capabilities, the underlying story is one of calculated geographic and technological expansion, orchestrated by private equity firm Behrman Capital to build a dominant force in a critical niche market.

This acquisition is far more than a simple line-item on a balance sheet; it is a direct play for a substantial foothold in continental Europe, targeting the heart of the continent's advanced industrial and defense sectors. For Micross, a company already entrenched in serving the stringent demands of aerospace, defense, and medical industries, the purchase of AEMtec is a pivotal step in transforming from a U.S.-centric leader into a truly global supplier. It's the eleventh acquisition under Behrman Capital's ownership, underscoring a disciplined “buy and build” strategy aimed at consolidating a fragmented but vital industry.

A Strategic Foothold in Europe's High-Tech Corridor

The timing and location of this acquisition are no coincidence. By acquiring AEMtec, with its headquarters in Berlin's renowned Adlershof science and technology hub and facilities in Dresden, Micross gains more than just manufacturing capacity; it gains strategic proximity to Europe's top-tier industrial, medical, and defense contractors. This move plants the Micross flag firmly in continental Europe, augmenting its existing, smaller facilities in the United Kingdom and Denmark.

This expansion comes at a time when Europe is acutely focused on supply chain resilience, particularly for critical technologies. Initiatives like the European Chips Act aim to bolster the continent's semiconductor production and advanced packaging capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Micross's deeper integration into this ecosystem positions it as a key partner in this continental push for technological sovereignty. As Micross CEO Jim Cannon stated, the acquisition “materially expands Micross’ manufacturing and engineering footprint in Europe” and better positions the company to support the European defense industrial base.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals, a process that has grown more complex. European Commission regulators now scrutinize deals not just on turnover, but on their potential impact on innovation and strategic industries like defense. However, given the complementary nature of the two companies and the goal of strengthening the European industrial base, the path to approval in the second half of 2026 is widely expected to be clear.

Forging a Technological Powerhouse in Advanced Packaging

At the core of this deal is AEMtec’s formidable technological prowess. The company is a leader not in mass-market chips, but in the highly specialized world of advanced packaging and miniaturization—the critical art and science of protecting and connecting microscopic electronic components. This is where innovation translates into real-world performance for mission-critical applications.

AEMtec’s portfolio includes wafer back-end services, flip-chip and chip-on-board assembly, 3D integration, and, most notably, high-precision opto-packaging. In fields like medical diagnostics, this enables the creation of smaller, more powerful devices like portable DNA sequencers and advanced imaging modules for robotic surgery. In telecommunications, it’s essential for building the high-speed optical modules that power our data-driven world.

The company’s expertise in optoelectronics—the integration of light and electronics—is particularly valuable. AEMtec has demonstrated capabilities of placing optical components with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 micrometers, a level of precision essential for next-generation satellite communications and advanced military sensor systems. By integrating these capabilities, Micross can now offer its existing aerospace and defense customers a more complete, end-to-end solution, from bare silicon die to fully integrated, tested, and ruggedized optoelectronic systems.

“We are excited to welcome AEMtec to the Micross family, as their world-class expertise in advanced packaging, photonics and optoelectronics will augment our capabilities and accelerate our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers,” said Jim Cannon, CEO of Micross. This synergy is the engine that will drive the commercial success of the acquisition, allowing the combined entity to tackle more complex projects and capture a larger share of the high-growth advanced packaging market, which is projected to grow at nearly 11% annually through 2035.

The Private Equity Playbook in Action

This acquisition is a textbook example of a private equity “buy and build” strategy, masterfully executed by Behrman Capital since it took ownership of Micross. Rather than pursuing organic growth alone, Behrman has systematically identified and acquired companies with complementary technologies and market access. AEMtec is the eleventh such deal, and the seventh since a continuation fund was established in 2022, indicating an acceleration of this strategy.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but in the current market, a company with AEMtec’s unique intellectual property, blue-chip customer base, and position in high-growth sectors would command a premium valuation. Median M&A multiples for hardware and semiconductor firms often exceed 11x EBITDA, with private equity-led deals for strategic assets reaching even higher. Behrman Capital is clearly willing to pay for quality and strategic fit.

Simon Lonergan, Managing Partner of Behrman Capital, underscored the strategic rationale, stating, “This acquisition underscores the Company’s commitment to a truly global offering of high-reliability products and services, allowing us to access the high potential European market.” This isn't just about short-term profit; it's about building a durable market leader with a global footprint and an unparalleled technology stack, creating significant long-term value.

The integration of AEMtec’s management team, led by CEO Robert Giertz, is a crucial component of this plan. Retaining leadership with deep institutional and technical knowledge is key to ensuring a smooth transition and realizing the promised synergies. As Giertz noted, the strategic alignment provides “our customers and employees a promising future.” For Micross, the journey from prototype to profit is now paved with a new, strategically vital European road.