Artemis Acquires Optical Engineering Company Optikos

Optikos, a provider of optical engineering, manufacturing, and metrology services, has been acquired by Artemis.

Optikos develops optical, opto-mechanical, and opto-electrical systems that are used in semiconductor inspection equipment, automotive imaging systems, defense optics, medical imaging devices, and industrial sensing applications. Optikos’ products are often used in manufacturing environments that process large volumes of optical components where consistent and repeatable measurements are required.

Among Optikos’ higher-volume products are its LensCheck and OpTest metrology systems, which are used by optical manufacturers to test lenses, cameras, and imaging assemblies during production. The systems measure image quality, distortion, focal length accuracy, alignment, and other optical performance metrics to verify that components meet specification requirements before final shipment or integration into larger systems.

“Optikos represents a unique platform at the intersection of optical engineering, metrology, and advanced manufacturing,” said Euan Milne, a partner at Artemis. “The company’s deep technical expertise, strong customer relationships, and service to Artemis’ core end markets align directly with our strategy of investing in high-precision, differentiated Industrial Tech companies. We are excited to partner with the Optikos team to accelerate growth and expand capabilities.”

Optikos, with more than 90 employees, was founded by CEO Stephen Fantone in 1982 and is headquartered north of Boston in a 50,000-square-foot facility in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

“Optikos is more than just a company to me,” said Mr. Fantone. “It represents a legacy of precision through the great work of dedicated experts. That is why this decision, which is never an easy one to make, comes at a pivotal moment for our expansion. We can only achieve this scale with the right partners—those who truly understand our ecosystem and share our uncompromising commitment to product quality.”Post-closing, the existing management team of Optikos will continue in their current roles, with Mr. Fantone transitioning to a strategic advisor and chairman emeritus. Rudi Coetzee, Chief Operating Partner at Artemis, is serving as the interim CEO of Optikos. The Fantone family is retaining a substantial ownership interest in the business in partnership with Artemis.

Boston-headquartered Artemis invests in companies with revenues between $5 million and $50 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $10 million. Its target companies manufacture differentiated industrial technologies for the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial automation, scientific and research, and medical sectors.

Bigelow was the financial advisor to Optikos and Houlihan Lokey advised Artemis.