CHICAGO-Pctel Inc. said it has acquired all the shares of Dublin-based Sigma Wireless Technologies Ltd. from Sigma Communications Group Ltd.
SWT develops antennas for public-safety applications as well as for the UMTS market. The company will become part of Pctel’s Antenna Products Group, which is led by Steve Deppe. The total acquisition price is about $27 million.
Pctel said the deal gives it a European presence as well as a foothold in the UMTS market. The company’s sales activities to date have been focused on North America, South America and China.
SWT offers its integrated variable electrical tilt antenna technology for cellular networks as well as private mobile radio and digital PMR antenna solutions for the public utility and public-safety markets.
“The iVET antenna technology gives Pctel a strong position in the rapidly growing 3G cellular broadband market, an important target for our company,” said Marty Singer, Pctel’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe in pervasive wireless broadband and we are now in a better position to compete in that space. We are also excited about establishing a stronger European sales presence, expanding our revenue base, and taking the next step in our continued efforts to build a formidable wireless company. First and foremost, though, we view this as an important technology acquisition.”
Sigma employs more than 100 people in Ireland and the United Kingdom. They will become part of the APG group.
