CERES provides M & A advisory services to growth companies employing photonics to serve a wide range of markets - from life sciences to consumer electronics to advanced manufacturing

Sell Side M & A Advisory

Photonics technology businesses face market and technological uncertainty in complex ecosystems. Engage CERES’ broad network and strategic insight on the sell side to realize optimum value.

Buy Side M & A Advisory

Great companies are scarce. There is an abundance of investment capital. M & A sales processes are competitive. Partner with CERES on the buy side for clarity of strategic direction and speed to action.

Business Valuation

CERES is highly specialized in valuation of businesses with core photonics technology. Whether closely held or investor owned, be smarter and better prepared for sale or acquisition with CERES on valuation.

Recent Articles


Photonics in Today’s Transformative Age

Today’s transformative age is blurring lines between economic sectors, while creating new and unique opportunities.  With this collision of industries, leaders in traditionally defined sectors are seizing opportunities to create new value for their customers and reshape their businesses.

Linda Smith Honored as Fellow of SPIE

SPIE announces the promotion of Linda Smith to SPIE Fellow distinguished through outstanding technical accomplishments and entrepreneurial contributions to optics and photonics

2023 Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics

2023 Photonics M&A activity hits low, but strategic buyer appetite for capabilities deals remains relatively strong

CERES Advises nPoint on Sale to Motion Solutions

CERES announces the sale of nPoint to Motion Solutions. nPoint provides piezo-driven nanopositioning stages, scanners, control electronics and software to OEM's and end-users worldwide.

2020 Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics

Despite the pandemic, frothy public markets and new normals refuel photonics M&A and IPO markets in 2020

Linda Smith, President of CERES, joins the OSA Foundation Board

The Optical Society is pleased to announce that Linda Smith, President of CERES Technology Advisors has joined The OSA Foundation Board of Directors.

2019 Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics

In the worldwide photonics industry, 2019 was another record year for M&A in terms of both deal value and deal volume. However, M&A activity for pure-play photonics companies was down from recent years.

2023 Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics

2023 Photonics M&A activity hits low, but strategic buyer appetite for capabilities deals remains relatively strong

Read More


0 Comments22 Minutes

Graduate Internship – Financial Analyst

This is a part-time opportunity for an early career professional to work while completing your M.B.A.

Read More


0 Comments2 Minutes

CERES Advises Apollo Optical Systems on Sale

CERES advises Apollo Optical Systems, industry leader in design and manufacture of precision polymer optical components and assemblies, on sale.

Read More


0 Comments5 Minutes

2022 Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics

2022 Photonics M&A did not stack up against prior years with inflation, rapid interest rate hikes, geopolitical instability, losses in stock and bond markets, supply chain risk and labor shortages

Read More


0 Comments19 Minutes

Financial Analyst

This is a full-time or part-time opportunity for an early career professional to work while completing your M.B.A. or for an experienced professional to work on-site or remotely.

Read More


0 Comments2 Minutes

Vice President – M&A Advisory

This is a unique opportunity for an individual with a competitive spirit and desire to win to work closely with a well established M&A advisor in the photonics technology sector who will act as a mentor and help you fulfill your career goals.

Read More


0 Comments2 Minutes

Partner – Private Equity

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and entrepreneurial leader in private equity or corporate development to join a new team investing in photonics.

Read More


0 Comments1 Minutes

Mergers & Acquisitions in Photonics – March 31 2022

The global M&A market for companies employing photonics technologies as core differentiators is down from blockbuster years of 2020 and 2021

Read More


0 Comments20 Minutes

Managing Director – Private Equity

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and entrepreneurial leader in private equity or corporate development to join a new team investing in photonics.

Read More


0 Comments1 Minutes

Linda Smith Recognized as NACD Directorship Certified

National Association of Corporate Directors certified Board Members demonstrate their commitment to elevating board leadership

Read More


0 Comments2 Minutes

SPIE Photonics West

January 25, 2025 - January 30, 2025
San Francisco, CA
SPIE Photonics West

SPIE Global Business Forum

January 27, 2025
San Francisco, CA
SPIE Global Business Forum