Technitrol has agreed to acquire the capital stock of Sonion, a producer of highly microacoustic transducers and micromechanical components for manufacturers of hearing instruments, advanced acoustic devices, medical devices and mobile communication devices.

These products are used in hearing aids, high-end earphones, medical devices, wireless handsets and other mobile terminal equipment. Sonion is also a player in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone technology.

The purchase price is approximately $385m in cash, based on current exchange rates. The acquisition will be financed through a new credit facility and cash on hand. Closing of the transaction is expected before the end of February 2008.

Sonion is based in Roskilde, Denmark and also has facilities in Poland, China, Vietnam and the Netherlands. It employs about 4,900 people, including more than 140 research and development personnel.