Fri, 13 Feb 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
PRP Optoelectronics, a manufacturer of specialist components for the avionics, defence and industrial sectors, has been acquired by scientific equipment group SDI Group in a deal worth £9.3 million.
Swindon-based PRP Optoelectronics manufactures custom-made, high-performance micro LEDs and LED devices used for a range of applications across the defence, avionics and industrial sectors.
The firm’s products provide precision illumination in applications such as thermal imaging, water purification systems and avionics displays and its programmes are used across aircraft including the General Dynamics F-16, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and Airbus A320.
Founded in 1989, PRP Optoelectronics operates from a 20,000 sq ft site in Swindon, with a 33-strong staff. In 2025, the company delivered close to £6 million in revenues and profit of £1.54 million, with the acquisition representing approximately a 6x profit multiple.
The deal marks SDI Group’s first move into the aerospace and avionics markets. The Cambridge-based group is operating a buy-and-build growth strategy, focusing on companies that design and manufacture industrial and scientific sensors, industrial and scientific products and specialist lab equipment.
The acquisition of PRP is said to extend SDI’s footprint in the resilient and profitable aerospace and defence sectors, providing the group with access to a stable blue-chip customer base and revenue streams primarily linked to overseas end markets.
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."
The acquisition, which will be funded from SDI’s revolving credit facility with HSBC, is expected to be earnings enhancing during the first full year of ownership. Post-acquisition, PRP Optoelectronics Managing Director Kevin Peart and Technical Director Sam Cox, the firm’s majority shareholders, will remain with the company full-time.
Discover the M&A trends driving dealmaking in the technology, media and telecoms industry
This long-established designer and distributor of premium radiators in Herefordshire offers an unmatched opportunity for investors to enter the flourishing designer-radiator niche. The business boasts secure earnings, fast turnaround times, and signi...
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a long-standing UK specialist engineering firm renowned for its high-temperature, vibration-, and radiation-tolerant sensing components for critical applications.
This well-established and respected metal fabrication and installation business in Poole offers a comprehensive service from design to installation, often engaging in bespoke projects within the affluent Sandbanks area and beyond.
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.