Exotic Electro-Optics And Lightworks Optics Merge Operations; New Company Renamed Lightworks Optical Systems

Murrieta, Calif. -- Exotic Electro-Optics, Inc. (EEO) and LightWorks Optics, Inc. (LWO) today announced the companies have merged operations and are now operating under the name LightWorks Optical Systems, Inc. A subsidiary of II-VI Incorporated, LightWorks Optical Systems is a leading provider of high precision integrated optical systems and infrared optics, coatings and assemblies. Headquartered in Murrieta, the company will continue to operate from the Murrieta and Tustin, California facilities.

LightWorks Optical Systems combines the award-winning design, engineering and production capabilities of both former companies. As the leading supplier of infrared optics, coatings and assemblies, Exotic Electro-Optics’ provided core manufacturing technologies including crystal growth, optical fabrication, thin film coating production and complex assemblies. LightWorks Optics was known as a leading provider of advanced optical systems and assemblies, with expertise in the engineering design, manufacture, assembly and testing of complete optical solutions. The newly merged company can now better meet the complex optical needs of customers in the medical, defense, aerospace and commercial industries.

“LWO’s expertise in the engineering design and manufacturing of complete optical subsystems is a logical market extension for EEO,” said Daniel Barber, chief scientist at LightWorks Optical Systems. “The optical systems created by LWO involve engineering and manufacturing expertise similar to those possessed by EEO, and will extend the range of solutions the combined companies offer to the marketplace. Together we can provide substantial value to our current customers as well as to the growing commercial markets for precision optical assemblies.”

“We are excited about the future of our company and look forward to an even stronger leadership position in the markets we serve,” said Andrew Riser, general manager at LightWorks Optical Systems. “Combining our operational and technical talents has accelerated our ability to expand into new markets.”

About LightWorks Optical Systems
LightWorks Optical Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of high precision integrated optical systems and infrared optics, coatings and assemblies. The company’s award-winning design, engineering and production capabilities are meeting the complex optical needs of customers in the medical, defense, aerospace and commercial industries. The photonics applications may be diverse, but all products share a common focus on rapid development, excellent value and high performance. LightWorks Optical Systems is AS9011/ISO-9001 and ISO 1345:2003 Registered. For more information about LightWorks Optical Systems, please call 714-247-7175 or visit our new website at www.lwopticalsystems.com.