12-03-2012: a historic merger between Stratasys and Objet took place
The new company was valued at approximately $3 billion
On December 3, 2012, one of the most pivotal events in the history of 3D printing occurred — the formal merger of Stratasys and Objet. The newly formed organization, operating under the name Stratasys Ltd., became a global leader in additive manufacturing technologies. The merger, first announced in April 2012, marked the culmination of a meticulously planned process, resulting in a company valued at approximately $3 billion.
Stratasys and Objet had already played key roles in shaping the 3D printing industry. Founded in 1989, Stratasys pioneered the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, enabling the creation of durable prototypes and functional production parts. Meanwhile, Objet, established in 1998 in Israel, revolutionized the sector with its PolyJet technology, known for high precision and multi-material 3D printing with photopolymer resins.
Their collaboration began well before the official merger. Stratasys had been distributing PolyJet technology in the U.S. market, which naturally paved the way for their eventual union. Notably, as early as 2004, both companies gained attention when 3D Systems filed a lawsuit against them for patent infringement related to MultiJet Printing (MJP) technology.
The merger combined the strengths of these complementary technologies, FDM and PolyJet, enhancing Stratasys’s market reach and technological capabilities. The newly integrated company also offered Solidscape Drop-on-Demand (DoD) technology for creating intricate wax patterns for precision casting.
The post-merger leadership structure included key figures from both organizations. David Reis, the former CEO of Objet, became the new CEO of Stratasys Ltd., while Scott Crump, co-founder of Stratasys, took on the role of Chairman. This strategic alignment resulted in a global powerhouse with an extensive distribution network and support from over 260 partners worldwide.
However, the journey did not unfold entirely as envisioned by the architects of the merger. Although Stratasys’s value initially grew in the years following the merger, the company has faced challenges in recent times. The competitive landscape has shifted significantly, and Stratasys is navigating a transformed market. According to Kerry Stevenson from Fabbaloo, the company's current market value is around $685 million—still an improvement compared to recent months but far from its peak.
Source: www.stratasys.com