e2v Technologies

The story of e2v Technologies is a classic tale of old-world industrial heritage meeting new-world technology. Its roots trace back to the pioneering work of Guglielmo Marconi in the early 20th century. For decades, it operated as part of the General Electric Company and Marconi, developing highly specialized electronic components. In 1947, English Electric Valve Company was established, which would eventually become the foundation of the modern e2v. The company's modern era began in 2002 through a management buyout led by Keith Attwood, the CEO at the time. This move spun the company out from its corporate parents, setting it on an independent path. e2v focused on high-performance systems and components, becoming a critical supplier for the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. Their products, like specialized sensors and semiconductors, were the unseen engines powering everything from medical radiotherapy machines to satellite imaging systems. Just two years after the buyout, in 2004, e2v successfully launched an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange, a significant milestone that validated its new direction and provided capital for further growth. The journey culminated in 2017 when the American industrial conglomerate Teledyne Technologies made a strategic move, acquiring e2v for approximately £620 million. This acquisition marked the end of e2v's chapter as an independent entity but integrated its deep expertise into a larger, global technology powerhouse, securing its legacy for the future.