Business

Enniskillen firm which worked on Large Hadron Collider acquires Scottish rival

Elite Electronic Systems buys CB Technology in Livingston, positioning it as a powerhouse in the electronic manufacturing sector

Enniskillen-based tech company Elite Electronic Systems has acquired an electronic manufacturing solutions (EMS) firm in Scotland in a move it says will enhance its capabilities, allowing it to serve a broader range of industries and expand its footprint in the competitive sector.
Jonathan Balfour, chief executive of Elite Electronic Systems in Enniskillen, which has just CB Technology in Livingston

Enniskillen-based technology company Elite Electronic Systems has acquired an electronic manufacturing solutions (EMS) rival in Scotland in a move it says will enhance its capabilities, allowing it to serve a broader range of industries and expand its footprint in the sector.

Founded in 1986, Elite has confirmed the strategic acquisition of CB Technology in Livingston from Maven Capital Partners.

It marks a significant milestone in Elite’s ongoing expansion and reinforces its position as a leader in the EMS market across the UK and Europe.

Elite, which is known for delivering high-quality, advanced electronics manufacturing services, says it will integrate CB Technology’s 25 years of industry expertise, particularly in sectors such as energy and power monitoring, into its operations.

Operating from a 75,000 sq. ft. facility at the Lackaboy industrial estate, Elite offers a comprehensive range of services, including cable assembly, and complete product build, tailored to meet the specific needs of industries such as medical, telecommunications, industrial, and defence.

In 2009 it completed a contract to provide power supply components to the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.



Jonathan Balfour, chief executive of Elite Electronic Systems, said: “This acquisition is a pivotal step for us as we continue to grow and innovate in the EMS industry.

“The addition of CB Technology’s specialised expertise and strong market presence will allow us to deliver even greater value to our customers.”

John Cameron, managing director of CB Technology, added: “We are proud of what we have achieved at CB Technology and are excited to join forces with Elite, a company that shares our vision and values. Together, we will be able to offer enhanced solutions to our customers and create new opportunities for our employees.”

The combined entity will benefit from shared market intelligence, expanded resources, and increased manufacturing capabilities, positioning Elite as a powerhouse in the EMS market with a revenue exceeding £50 million.

Enniskillen-based tech company Elite Electronic Systems has acquired an electronic manufacturing solutions (EMS) firm in Scotland in a move it says will enhance its capabilities, allowing it to serve a broader range of industries and expand its footprint in the competitive sector
John Cameron, managing director of CB Technology (Chris Watt Photography/www.chriswatt.com)

In the year to March 2023, Elite’s revenues rose by nearly 30% from £26.7m to £34.6 million and it reported pre-tax profits of £4.5m. The company has a staff of 217.

Stefan Smith, investment director at Lonsdale Capital Partners, which supports Elite’s growth strategy, said: “We are thrilled to back Elite in this strategic acquisition.

“By joining forces with CB Technology, it is well-positioned to accelerate its growth trajectory and enhance its service offerings across key industries. This partnership underscores our confidence in Elite’s future and its potential for continued success.”