FN Herstal Acquires Finnish Opto-Electronic Business

FN Herstal Acquires Finnish Opto-Electronic Business

Belgium-based firearms manufacturer FN Herstal announces acquisition of Finnish Company Noptel Oy, specialized in laser range finding technology.

Over the last few years, FN Herstal and Noptel have worked together and designed and developed the new FN Fire Control Unit (the so-called FN FCU) for Military, Law Enforcement and Special Forces operators.

The FN FCU significantly maximizes first-round hit probability when shooting 40mm LV tube-launched grenades, resulting in immediate target neutralization and improved soldier survivability. Two models are available today: the FN FCU-850N with a laser beam of 850nm and the FN FCU-1.5M with a laser beam of 1,550nm. Both offer similar aiming/firing capabilities and benefits, with the FN FCU-1.5M featuring a laser range finder undetectable with Night Vision Goggles.

Noptel will remain a major actor in the development and manufacturing of FN Fire Control Units. Marketing and sales activities will still be FN Herstal’s responsibility.

This acquisition reinforces FN Herstal’s position in the development of small caliber weapons integrating innovative technologies.

Noptel Oy will be kept intact and will continue to operate under its current legal name and structure with corporate offices in Oulu, Finland.

About Noptel Oy

Founded in 1982, Noptel Oy is specialized in the design and manufacture of applied optoelectronic devices for the performance of a wide range of geometrical measurements. Noptel is situated in Oulu, Finland, and is working in co-operation with University of Oulu and Technical Research Centre of Finland.  The Company employs 30 persons.

About FN Herstal

Belgium-based FN Herstal is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of small caliber weapons, integrated weapon systems and associated ammunition for Military and Law Enforcement as well as Special Forces Operators worldwide.
FN Herstal is part of Herstal Group, which also includes Browning Company, specialized in hunting, shooting and outdoor.