3M (NYSE: MMM) announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (Taiwan: 3406) to advance manufacturing and development of 3M's Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions, according to a press release.

As part of the agreement, 3M plans to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO's common shares through a private placement of newly issued shares. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration is intended to support manufacturing of 3M's EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions, and related optical interconnect applications, targeting demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity uses.

"By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure," said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO.

GSEO CEO and President Micro Kuo said the collaboration "brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets."