PAC Man Strikes Again in Level Measurement Markets - MSI Acquires Assets of Cosense

Just having completed the final PowerPoint slides, which includes commentary on M&A activity in the level market segments, in support of the first two of four reports in support of VDC's 2011 Process Level Measurement and Inventory Tank Gauging Market Intelligence program, Measurement Specialties Inc. (MSI) decides to acquires the assets of Cosense, Inc. The purchase price was $11.5 million and the transaction was closed on April 2, 2012.

Cosense is a designer and manufacturer of ultrasonic sensors and systems for highly reliable OEM Fluid measurement and control applications such as liquid level monitoring, air bubble detection, flow sensing, fill verification of liquids and solids for semiconductor, medical, aerospace, and industrial applications. MSI is covered in VDC's level research as a supplier of hydrostatic level measurement devices so the acquisition is a move designed to broaden MSI's reach into the sonic/ultrasonic market segment which represents a >$250 million opportunity worldwide.

Frank Guidone, MSI's CEO commented, "Cosense's ultrasonic sensors are an excellent addition to our current product portfolio and fit nicely within our Piezo product line. Cosense products are used for single-point, multi-point, and continuous liquid level measurement, along with entrained bubble detection. Their innovative solutions are very complementary to our existing product offering, particularly within the high-purity semiconductor, medical infusion pump, and commercial aerospace markets."

MSI did not provide VDC with any advance details on the acquisition but its actions confirm VDC's belief that the market for process level measurement technologies is continuing to consolidate as companies face the omnipresent pressure to achieve their growth objectives through whatever means necessary. Acquisition of new products/technologies is one strategy employed by businesses across all product and/or technology markets across the world and the process level measurement market is no exception.