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Industry News
September 7, 2012
Austin-based Actacell Merges with Contour Energy Systems
Contour Energy Systems, Inc., innovator of next-generation battery systems, announces its merger with Austin-based ActaCell Energy Systems. In joining forces with Contour Energy Systems, ActaCell adds critical mass in terms of resource support for existing and new market penetration. Contour currently offers a successful line of advanced non-rechargeable (primary) batteries through a network of private-label resellers and direct sales channels worldwide. This network allows more rapid implementation of ActaCell's current power cell rechargeable technology in several key markets including portable power tools, grid stabilization and hybrid electric vehicle applications.
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"Our new partnership adds advanced rechargeable battery technology to the Contour product portfolio, allowing us to enter new markets," said Louis Lupo, CEO of Contour Energy Systems. "With Contour's primary advanced power solutions and worldwide distribution network, we are confident of the positive impact these technologies will have in the energy storage market."
"This merger allows ActaCell the leverage needed to accelerate our technologies more rapidly into the market," said Bill Ott, Vice-President and General Manager of ActaCell Energy Systems. "As a wholly owned subsidiary of Contour Energy Systems, we have the support of a much broader base of investors, including Schlumberger and In-Q-Tel, to add to our existing investors of DFJ Mercury and Applied Ventures."
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Contour Energy Systems, Inc. is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, California, privately held Contour Energy Systems is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo, Valence Technologies, EaglePicher and Honeywell.
ActaCell is an Austin, Texas-based corporation formed in 2007 by exclusively licensing Li-Ion technologies developed at the University of Texas at Austin's Material Sciences Program by Professor Arumugam Manthiram. Initial venture capital investors in ActaCell include DFJ Mercury, Good Energies, Applied Ventures and Google.org. ActaCell's power cell chemistry incorporates a proprietary stabilized cathode material, which improves the calendar and cycle life challenges associated with Mn Spinel. ActaCell's energy cell chemistry involves a novel nanocomposite alloy anode material to replace graphite in high-energy applications.
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