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Astute Group acquires UK electronics firm

Astute Group acquires UK electronics firm

Astute Group has announced the acquisition of Copper & Optic. This UK-based expert in cable and harness assemblies brings bespoke and turnkey custom-design capabilities to the group, benefiting key sectors, especially aerospace and defence.

Copper & Optic’s deep knowledge in complex cabling, fibre optics, and electromechanical assembly will augment Astute’s already strong interconnects business, creating a powerful synergy between the two organisations.

“Copper & Optic are part of the skilled fabric of British electronics manufacturing, and we see an outstanding future for them within Astute Group. This acquisition signals another win for UK PLC!” commented Geoff Hill, Managing Director, Astute Group. “As a renowned defence specialist, C&O’s integration will significantly boost our interconnect capabilities, especially for supporting New Product Introduction. Customers will gain streamlined processes, reduced lead times, and access to a full spectrum of bespoke electronic engineering and manufacturing services, all delivered through the group.”


Underpinning this acquisition is a shared commitment to quality and flexibility. Phil Latham, Copper & Optic’s owner, commented: “The alignment of our core values is fantastic and will make for a smooth integration. We’re really focussed on growing this business collaboratively, benefiting our staff, customers, and supply chain partners.”

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards customers expect, Astute Group has confirmed that the entire Copper & Optic team will remain in place, preserving their expertise in delivering custom manufacturing solutions for demanding applications. Looking ahead, Astute Group will be adding substantial capital expenditure to Copper & Optic, expanding the bespoke and turnkey services for aerospace and defence customers.

Managing Editor
Paige Hookway is the Managing Editor of Procurement Pro, where she brings over a decade of industry experience to shaping insightful, engaging, and forward-thinking content for the global electronics community. After graduating from the University of Greenwich with a 2:1 in English Literature, Paige blended her love of storytelling with a deep curiosity for technology – carving out a career that champions both innovation and the people behind it. Across her 10+ years in the sector, Paige has developed a strong reputation for uncovering emerging trends, translating complex concepts into accessible insights, and spotlighting the voices shaping the future of engineering. She is particularly passionate about encouraging the next generation of engineers and elevating women in tech narratives that inspire, empower, and drive meaningful change. When she’s not immersed in the latest engineering developments, Paige can be found wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book.