California-based Nexa3D (a manufacturer of ultra-fast stereolithography production 3-D printers) and NXT Factory (the ‘pioneer’ of Quantum Laser Sintering — QLS — 3-D printers for mass production) have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Nexa3D will acquire all of the outstanding shares of NXT Factory.

The companies say the combination of these two complementary high-speed technologies “brings together a powerful portfolio of production grade photoplastic and thermoplastic materials and uniquely positions Nexa3D for accelerated growth”.

Avi Reichental, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Nexa3D, said: “We are very excited to bring together two complementary additive manufacturing ‘disruptors’ that are united in their pursuit of breaking speed, performance and productivity barriers in additive manufacturing.

“We believe that the perfect strategic fit between our businesses and products, combined with the expanded capabilities in product development, channel coverage, manufacturing and marketing, will result in significant revenue and accretive growth potential.”

Kuba Graczyk, co-founder and CEO of NXT Factory, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Nexa3D and together unleash the power and potential of our products.

“Covid-19 propelled both of our companies to demonstrate the unique capabilities of our complementary additive manufacturing power as we quickly ramped into full production of personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers.

“This crisis has helped showcase the incredibly rapid and flexible nature of our combined additive manufacturing capabilities compared to traditional manufacturing and demonstrates how vulnerable the global manufacturing supply chain is to unexpected disruptions. Together, we are committed to taking additive manufacturing to the next level and realising its full potential.”

The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors and the stockholders of both companies, is expected to be completed as ‘promptly as practicable’, subject to customary and deal-specific closing conditions being met. Details of the transaction have not been disclosed.