Camarillo’s Power-One to Acquire Boston Firm

Last fall, Camarillo-based power supply manufacturer Power-One completed its first corporate acquisition--a $42-million purchase of the Melcher Group of Uster, Switzerland. At the time, Power-One officials promised similar transactions to follow in fairly rapid succession.

They appear to be living up to their promise.

The Camarillo manufacturer of AC/DC power supplies has reached a definitive agreement to acquire International Power Devices, a Boston-based manufacturer of DC/DC supplies. The $31.75-million transaction, expected to be completed by Feb. 1, includes the purchase of a 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Mexico and 49% ownership of a distribution partnership in China.

Steven Goldman, president and chief executive of Power-One, said last fall that the purchase of Melcher, a DC/DC power supply manufacturer, would be the first in a series of deals that would expand the global presence of the Camarillo company. Melcher provided access to Europe, but the Asian market presented even greater opportunities, he said.

Martin Goeller, corporate controller for Power-One, said the purchase of International Power Devices seems to fill that bill.

“We wanted a foundation for developing in Asia, and we have that with the joint partnership in Shenzhen, China,” Goeller said. “This will give us access to the growth opportunities we perceive in Asia.”

Power-One would gain a greater presence in the eastern U.S., where major clients, including Teradyne, are headquartered.