Is 3-D printing the harbinger of the next industrial revolution? 3-D printing pioneer MakerBot certainly thinks so, and the company says it is poised to lead the charge into the future. The Brooklyn, N.Y.-based startup has been acquired by and will merge with fellow 3-D printing company Stratasys.
Under terms of the deal, MakerBot will be acquired for $403 million in Stratasys stock. MakerBot will operate as a separate subsidiary of Stratasys, which is based in Minneapolis. MakerBot co-founder and chief executive Bre Pettis will remain with the company.
"We have an aggressive model for growth," Pettis said in the announcement. "Partnering with Stratasys will allow us to supercharge our mission to empower individuals, and lead the next industrial revolution."
(Read More: 10 Ways 3-D Printing Will Blow Your Mind)