CLARKSBURG, Md., February 21, 2013 – Thales has completed the acquisition of the Visionix Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and InterSense motion tracking businesses formerly owned by Gentex Corporation.

Effective December 28, 2012, the new company, Thales Visionix, Inc., is operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thales.

This acquisition is a strategic fit that complements Thales’ global portfolio of Helmet Mounted Sight and Display systems for rotary and fixed wing platforms. It gives Thales the ability to offer highly capable HMD technology amidst rigorous budget constraints within the market.

Within Thales Visionix Inc., Thales will also continue to develop the business of motion tracking systems, which are marketed under the brand name Intersense, and are used in HMD products.

Thales Visionix Inc. operates under a proxy agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. The company is maintaining both of its existing locations – Aurora, Illinois, and Billerica, Massachusetts – and the current management team remains in place.

About Thales
Thales (www.thalesgroup.com) is a global technology leader for the Defense, Security, Aerospace, and Transportation markets. In 2011, the company generated revenues of €13 billion (approximately $18.3 billion) with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.