Deals like the thermal-camera manufacturer FLIR’s recent acquisition of DVTEL could help the market better understand the value of thermal imagers, feels another company active in the segment.
Deals like the thermal-camera manufacturer
FLIR System’s recent acquisition of
DVTEL could help the market better understand the value of thermal imagers, feels another company active in the segment.
Speaking to
asmag.com, ULIS, a company that focuses solely on developing and selling thermal imaging sensors, said they expect such consolidation to be beneficial to the market and their own business.
“ULIS views the recent vertical market consolidation as positive in enabling more players within the traditional camera surveillance market to become more educated about the advantages of thermal imagers,” said Sebastien Tinnes, Product Manager at ULIS. “We expect end-users to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of thermal imaging. This will be a plus for the thermal camera market.”
FLIR’s deal with DVTEL had come three years after the former acquired a Canada-based surveillance camera manufacturer, Lorex, which focused mostly on small businesses and consumer market. Market analysts see the latest move largely as an effort to strengthen its presence in the visible imaging portfolio, to become an end-to-end solution provider for both low- and high-end customers.
But such moves don’t create any competition for ULIS, indicated Tinnes, as the company has a product line that’s focused on thermal sensors alone. In fact, it could help improve their market possibilities.
“We anticipate this market development will also open up opportunities that fit with our business model: ULIS focuses solely on developing and selling thermal imaging sensors, which means we avoid competing with our customers,” Tinnes said. “Our strategy has been successful in establishing long-term and trusted partnerships with OEMs active in the traditional surveillance market. We provide them with easy to use thermal solutions that help expand their own product lines.”
He added that since ULIS removed integration difficulties by aligning its detector interfaces with commercial standards, many large traditional surveillance equipment and service suppliers have combined its thermal solutions within their visible camera offer. The company expects this trend to continue.
The security industry continues to consolidate, with news of mergers and acquisitions grabbing headlines often. As some companies strengthen themselves through such tie-ups, it would be natural for their competition to look at options to maintain their market share. In ULIS’ case, its unique product focus avoids it coming in the direct line of competition, but it wouldn’t be surprising if other thermal-camera manufacturers look to beef up their portfolio through similar deals.