AN AWARD-WINNING hi-tech company in York has been bought out by a multi-billion dollar US group.

BSC Filters, of Osbaldwick, which last year became the only firm to have twice won the overall Business of the Year in the 20 year history of The Press Business Awards, has been bought by Ceramic & Microwave Products (CMP) for an undisclosed sum.

The firm, started by Alan Corlett and now headed-up by Martyn Lee, is a 50-person organisation which designs microwave and radio frequency filters for the defence industry. Its research into foiling roadside bombs is already in use by the military in the war-torn Afghanistan CMP is part of the $7.5 billion Dover Group of companies based in California and the deal reflects BSC Filters’ success in having captured 80 per cent of the UK market and its growing penetration in Europe.

Mr Lee, managing director of BSC Filters, and his executive team will stay in place. He said: “We’re delighted and excited to become part of the CMP family and look forward to growing our business together. Being part of CMP gives BSC the resources to support and continue our strong growth performance.”

The firm won the top prize of The Press Business Awards in 1998 and again last year when it also scooped the Growth Business Of The Year and Large Business Of The Year.

Having met its target to grow revenue from £2.92 million in 2008, its turnover soared to £5.1 million in 2009 and this year it set its revenue target at £5.6 million with early signs of being above budget.

Now the takeover, which will see the company’s independence and staff maintained, is set to accelerate.

“The combination of BSC’s European presence and the CMP sales team gives us the opportunity to better serve our customers and grow together in Europe and beyond.”

CMP manufactures high performance filters, switches, capacitors and related products used in engineered military, telecom, medical and industrial applications. Its companies are Dielectric Laboratories Inc., Dow-Key Microwave, K&L Microwave, Pole/Zero Corporation, Syfer Technology, Novacap and Voltronics Corporation.

Dave Wightman, president of CMP, said “BSC products are highly complementary to K&L Microwave, Pole/Zero and DLI, providing our customers a broader, deeper set of offerings. Its owner, the Dover Corporation, is a worldwide, diversified manufacturer providing innovative components and equipment, specialty systems and support services for a variety of applications in the industrial products, engineered systems, fluid management and electronic technologies markets.