Star Electronics, 751 Hilltop Dr, Itasca, IL 60143, US

Knowles is an international manufacturer of technologically advanced products in the hearing aid and acoustic markets. Founding in 1946, it core competency is in acoustic technology. It manufactures hearing aid transducers and low voltage integrated circuit design, electronic controls and sensors, and precision manufacturing. Knowles serves customers from locations in seven countries spread over North America, Europe and Asia, with our largest operations located in the United States, China and Malaysia. Through its Knowles Electronics and Deltek business units, Knowles manufacturers microphones, receivers and related components for the hearing aid industry. Its Knowles Acoustics business unit provides headsets and acoustic components used in voice recognition, telephony, security, and medical applications, as well as infrared technology products. Knowles is owned by Doughty Hanson & Co., which acquired Knowles in 1999 after nearly 50 years of family ownership. Founded in 1986, Doughty Hanson & Co is one of Europe's independent private equity fund managers.