Ceres Advises MLD Technologies on Sale to General Atomics

Eugene, Oregon – August 25, 2025
Ceres Technology Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to MLD Technologies, LLC—a U.S. manufacturer of extreme performance optical coatings—in its sale to General Atomics.

MLD Technologies is a U.S. manufacturer of extreme performance optical coatings capable of ultra-high laser power handling. It employs proprietary optical coating designs and Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) manufacturing processes.  MLD serves a diverse mix of high growth markets, including a long history supplying cutting edge coatings for Laser Directed Energy Weapons and Laser Fusion.

Ceres led all aspects of the transaction, from strategic positioning and buyer diligence to negotiations and closing.  Leveraging deep knowledge of the photonics industry, Ceres prepared MLD with precision and efficiency for a sale process that culminated in acquisition by market leading Defense Prime, General Atomics.

“Ceres prepared and positioned us extremely well for this acquisition,” said Len Mott, co-founder and President of MLD. “We look forward to supporting the growing demand for laser weapon systems as part of GA-EMS. Our expertise in optical coatings and components for high-energy laser systems will reinforce operational readiness and our ability to meet mission-critical customer requirements.”

Tony Louderback, co-founder of MLD and widely recognized as the father of Ion Beam Sputtering, said “General Atomics’ emphasis on innovation and its agile approach to development ensure MLD’s technology will continue to advance.”

“At our core, we’ve always pushed our optical coatings to handle the most extreme laser power levels”, said Gary DeBell, co-founder of MLD and now General Atomics Fellow.  “Joining General Atomics is exciting because they share that same drive to innovate and apply it to disruptive energy weapon systems. It’s rewarding to know our technology will now have an even greater impact as part of GA’s directed energy laser platforms.”

As a trusted supplier, MLD has a proven track record of delivering superior optical coatings to GA-EMS for their laser applications.

“Acquiring MLD enables GA-EMS to streamline innovation and production of a key component in our laser weapon systems,” said Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS. “This strategic acquisition also positions us to enhance the performance and durability of our high-power lasers, enabling us to deliver world-class directed energy weapon systems to our customers.”

About MLD Technologies

MLD Technologies is a U.S. manufacturer of extreme performance optical coatings capable of ultra-high laser power handling. It employs proprietary optical coating designs and Ion Beam Sputtering (IBS) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) manufacturing processes.  Applications span wavelengths from Deep UV through Mid IR with clear apertures from sub-millimeter to greater than half-meter. MLD serves a diverse mix of high growth markets from defense to medical device to advanced manufacturing.  mldtech.com

About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) develops innovative technologies to create breakthrough solutions supporting operational environments from undersea to space. From electromagnetic, power generation and energy storage systems and space systems and satellites, to hypersonic, missile defense, and laser weapon systems, GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities for defense, government, and national security customers. GA-EMS also provides commercial products and services targeting hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries.   ga.com/ems

About Ceres

Ceres Technology Advisors is a specialized M&A advisory firm focused exclusively on the optics and photonics industry. Ceres guides and drives growth-stage optics and photonics businesses to optimal outcomes. With a track record of successful transactions across defense and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, communications, semiconductor equipment and life sciences, Ceres delivers full-service strategic advisory that consistently exceeds expectations.  cerescom.net