LONDON : SDI Group plc, the buy and build group, focused on companies which design and manufacture specialist lab equipment, industrial & scientific sensors and industrial & scientific products, announced the acquisition of PRP Optoelectronics Ltd (“PRP”) for a net consideration of £9.3m.
Highlights
· PRP designs and manufactures custom high performance microLEDs, LED light engines and monolithic LEDs for a range of applications within the avionics, defence and industrial sectors
· A profitable and growing business, servicing a critical and technical niche, particularly within the aerospace and defence markets where its products are essential components in a number of programmes including the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 and F-22 Raptor
· Long-term revenue visibility, supported by long-term agreements, with a stable, blue-chip customer base and strong international revenues
· PRP will join the Group’s Industrial & Scientific Sensors division and further SDI’s penetration into the aerospace industry
· Further delivery of SDI’s stated growth strategy, expected to be earnings enhancing1 in the first full year of ownership
PRP produces custom made, high performance microLEDs and LED devices, with its products delivering precision illumination from infra-red through to ultra-violet in a range of applications. PRP’s ability to offer complete in-house capabilities from semiconductor wafer processing to final system assembly, means it can deliver bespoke solutions for demanding applications such as avionics displays, thermal imaging and water and air purification systems.
The acquisition of PRP extends SDI’s footprint into the resilient and lucrative aerospace and defence sector, including a stable blue-chip customer base and revenues primarily linked to overseas end markets.
Further, the inclusion of PRP’s LED micro-displays for optical systems and UV purification products create a complementary offering to SDI, strengthening the Group’s footprint across the specialist end markets occupied by both Graticules Optics and MPB Industries.
For the year ended 31 December 2025, PRP delivered revenues of £5.99m and reported EBIT of £1.54m (unaudited management accounts) and showed net assets of £4.43m, which includes cash.
Stephen Brown, CEO of SDI Group, said:
“The acquisition of PRP is a significant milestone for SDI, marking our entry into the avionics markets. The business boasts a range of products in a very particular niche, which have applications across multiple sectors, including in aviation and on platforms, including the General Dynamics F-16 and Airbus A320 among others.
PRP is a profitable business, with strong revenue visibility and an international customer base which meets our key acquisition criteria. We’re enormously excited to welcome the PRP team into the Group and looking forward to working with them as they execute on their new business pipeline, and as we continue to drive the Group forward with our organic and inorganic growth strategies.”
About PRP Optoelectronics
Established in 1989, the company initially built its reputation in the defence sector, providing ruggedised LED displays for military avionics and instrumentation. PRP has since expanded its expertise to include monolithic LED arrays and micro LED technology, serving a diverse range of industries including military and civil aviation (including platforms such as Eurofighter Typhoon, General Dynamics F-16, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and Airbus A320 amongst others), medical photodynamic therapy, and industrial printing. PRP employs 33 people and is based in a 20,000 sq ft. site in Swindon, UK. Managing Director, Kevin Peart and Technical Director, Sam Cox (the majority shareholders) will remain with the business in a full-time capacity.
Consideration for the Acquisition
Net consideration is £9.3m, excluding £2.8m of acquired net cash. Total consideration comprises the following:
· Cash consideration paid immediately on completion of £11.3m; and
· Deferred cash consideration of £0.8-0.9m, subject to working capital completion accounts, which will be paid to the sellers after completion.