Thomson To Acquire Gyration; Move Will Enhance Thomson's Technology Portfolio And Consumer Accessories Business

10-Aug-04

Thomson announced its agreement to acquire Gyration, a Silicon Valley technology company which had sales of $14 million in 2003. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter. Founded in 1989, Gyration has developed a line of next-generation user-interface (UI) devices using proprietary technology based on gyroscopes. The technology is currently incorporated in a variety of hand-held UI devices, mainly for personal computers (PCs). The patent-protected ""In Air"" motion-sensing technology is based on a tiny embedded gyroscope that can measure the angle and speed of deviation to move a cursor or other indicator between ""Point A"" and ""Point B"". This allows users to select content or enable features on a device by simply pointing in the air. The market for such devices is currently estimated at $200 million in the US alone and demand is expected to grow with the convergence of PC, set-top boxes, game consoles and television. Thomson will use Gyration's gyroscope technology within its own business, notably as remote controls for its set-top box and accessories activities. The Group also intends to extend applications of Gyration's core technology and know-how by licensing it to existing customers as well as to industries such as interactive gaming, hand-held devices, and automotive-related products. The benefits of the acquisition to Thomson will accordingly be seen across the Group's Broadband, Components, Accessories and Intellectual Property and Licensing activities, which are part of its Industrial & Consumer Solutions and Video Networks Solutions Divisions. ""Gyration's proprietary technology is a step forward in functionality in a converging technology environment. This acquisition demonstrates Thomson's ability to leverage new technologies in-house, as well as to promote these technologies with partners and clients across a broad spectrum of applications beyond consumer electronics,"" said Thomson Display & Components Executive Vice President Didier Trutt. For more information, please visit www.thomson.net.

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