June/July 2008

Honeywell has acquired Metrologic Instruments, a leading US-based manufacturer of laser and mobile imaging and auto-identification. It paid $720 million for the company.

The deal follows Honeywell's recent acquisition of Hand Held Products, another American manufacturer of handheld computers, imaging systems and mobility solutions. Both companies will now sit within Honeywell Imaging & Mobility, a branch of its security division.

Metrologic is strong in retail, producing a variety of linear and omni-directional laser scanners, fixed-position and in-counter scanners, area imagers and rugged mobile computers. There is a degree of overlap between its range and the Hand Held range, but the overall mix is also complementary.

Honeywell for its part says the deal 'further positions Honeywell as a global leader in the dynamic enterprise mobility and imaging industry,' adding that the overall market is now worth $16 billion.

Although widely known for its computing activities, Honeywell is now a widely diversified group, with interests ranging from aerospace to the automotive sector.