NEWS BRIEFS

Glenayre Technologies Inc. announced its wireless messaging group has activated a dual-mode narrowband personal communications services system in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the foundation of a nationwide InFLEXion/ReFLEX25 network planned by Arch Argentina, a subsidiary of Arch Latin America, Glenayre said.

IFR Systems Inc. said it purchased Marconi Instruments Ltd. of Hertfordshire, England, and Marconi Instruments Inc. of Dallas, from London-based General Electric Co. plc, for about $107 million in cash. The acquisition of Marconi, a wireless digital test and measurement equipment manufacturer, will be funded by a combination of cash and funding provided by The First National Bank of Chicago. “This transaction doubles our size,” said Alfred H. Hunt III, president and chief executive officer of IFR, calling it “an excellent match up because the two companies are highly complementary in terms of markets, products, technology, manufacturing, and management.”

Bruce T. Leonard, chief operating officer of LHS Group Inc., received the additional title of president, the company announced. In addition to his new role, Leonard retains responsibility for coordinating LHS’ technical infrastructure, customer system installation, product maintenance, documentation, quality management, business improvement and education.

Xypoint Corp. has announced two contracts, one with U S West New Vector Group Inc. doing business as AirTouch Cellular, and one with Centennial Cellular, to provide the carriers with enhanced-911 services, the companies announced. Most current 911 systems cannot determine wireless callers’ telephone numbers, which leaves them unable to re-establish contact if calls are disconnected.

ABOUT AUTHOR