ILMINSTER opto-electronics giant Gooch and Housego has announced details of plans to take over an American firm for $21million.

The company has a definitive agreement to buy the business and assets of General Optics from GSI Group.

The sale is expected to close within 60 days, pending regulatory approval.

General Optics is a specialist in super-polished optics, and a volume manufacturer of ultra-high quality optical components and coatings to the aerospace and defence sector.

The company also serves the telecommunications, semiconductor, metrology, biomedical and research markets, and is the leading supplier of ring laser gyroscope mirrors and frames to manufacturers of inertial navigation systems.

Gareth Jones, chief executive of Gooch and Housego, said: "The acquisition of General Optics is the latest step in delivering our strategic objectives of gaining greater presence in key target markets and in securing a leading or dominant position in the fields in which we operate.

"General Optics is a business that we have always held in high regard. Its pre-eminent position in super-polished optics is highly complementary to our precision optics manufacturing capabilities in Ilminster, UK.

"It also extends our reach by providing us with access to the important US aerospace & defence sector, as well as a presence in what is the world's largest market for high-end optics.

"We look forward to working with the employees and management to continue the development of the business."

General Optics was founded in 1974 and operates from manufacturing facilities located in Moorpark, California, where it employs 87 people.

For the 12 months ended December 31, 2007, General Optics had revenues of $11.7 million.