A defense gem, Photonis wants to grow in the civilian sector

Balance and diversify its activity, largely dominated by the military (72% of sales), by relying on dual technologies. The French nugget Photonis, world leader in detection and imaging, is taking a strategic turn with the support of its shareholder, the European investment fund HLD. Founded by Jean-Bernard Lafonta, the latter had played the white knights at the beginning of 2021, to prevent this strategic company, a key partner of the armed forces, from passing under the American flag.

For months, the Photonis "dossier" had caused a lot of ink to flow. Offered for sale by its owner, the Ardian fund, Photonis was coveted by the American Teledyne. This provoked an outcry on the side of the armies, and in particular the special forces, as well as the political world in the name of national sovereignty. Bercy had whistled the end of the game, refusing at the end of 2020 the offer of Teledyne. And tried, in vain, to convince Safran and Thales, co-shareholder of Lynred...

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