Antenna solutions provider Laird Technologies has acquired privately held M2sys Co. Ltd. for $33.1 million. M2sys designs and manufactures custom products based on proprietary and patented technology including pivot, slide and rotary-action assemblies that enable mechanical actuation of leading-edge handheld devices while maintaining electrical integrity and performance. M2sys is based in Bucheon, South Korea, and employs 80 people.

According to Laird, the addition of M2sys’ proprietary technology to its product portfolio will allow more complex integrated designs and convergence of functions and components in future electronic applications. Meanwhile, last year M2sys reported revenues of $13.5 million, an increase over the previous year of 164%, and operating profits of $1.6 million. With additional design, manufacturing and assembly expertise, production facilities and global logistic capabilities, Laird is expecting to more than triple that number this year.

“As advanced functions are designed into ever-smaller handheld devices, the ability to fold, pivot or slide the devices to expose screens and keypads has become very important and will be even more important in the future,” said Martin L. Rapp, CEO of Laird Technologies.

Bosung Jeing, founder and CEO of M2sys, said, “M2sys has leading-edge technology in the field of handheld device actuation mechanisms, and has been very successful in building relationships with the leading global handheld product manufacturers, and by becoming part of Laird Technologies we can rapidly expand our company due to Laird Technologies’ massive global footprint.”