Americas Markets - Latest Developments


Hollywood, Fla., September 12, 2013

HEICO Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lucix Corp., a designer and manufacturer of high performance, high reliability microwave modules, units, and integrated sub-systems for commercial and military satellites.

HEICO said the purchase will be made for an undisclosed amount of cash to be paid at closing and future potential cash payments if Lucix should meet certain performance criteria. Lucix's financial information was not disclosed.

Amsrerdam, the Netherlands, September 12, 2013

According to a Carrier ID survey, carried out by the Satellite Interference Reduction Group (IRG) and Newtec, 93% of respondents suffer from satellite interference at least once a year, with more than half suffering at least once a month and 17% continuously in their day to day operations.

Paris, France, September 9, 2013

According to Euroconsult’s latest research report,"Satellite Communications & Broadcasting Markets Survey, Forecasts to 2022," the FSS sector is transitioning into a new environment with increased competition between satellite operators and greater uncertainty on demand usage and associated pricing conditions.

London, UK, Spetember 6, 2013 by Elisabeth Tweedie

At IBC this year, 53 of the approximately 1400 exhibitors claim to be showing something to do with 4K.  My guess is that the number is actually higher as many companies don’t list everything that they will be demonstrating in advance.  So does this mean that 4K is destined to become a commercial reality?

Stockholm, Sweden, September 5, 2013

Ericsson today completed the acquisition of Microsoft's Mediaroom business and TV solution. As the most deployed IPTV platform, with a global market share of around 25%, Mediaroom-powered TV services are offered by nearly 60 of the world's leading operators, delivering services to almost 13 million households, and close to 24 million set top boxes, worldwide.

Hauppauge, New York,  August 29, 2013

An affiliate of private equity and investment firm Wasserstein & Co. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Globecomm Systems for US$ 14.15 per share or about US$340 million in cash.

Ottawa, Canada, August 29, 2013

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Vislink, a United Kingdom based secure communication technology provider.

Vislink will promote, market, sell and support the C-COM manufactured range of iNetVu® products, which would complement Vislink's existing product range and allow it to expand into new vertical markets including oil & gas; mining; police, fire, emergency and disaster management.

Houston, Tex., August 22, 2013

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., a global investment firm, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which funds advised or controlled by KKR are acquiring a significant minority stake in RigNet from Cubera, an investment firm specializing in the Nordic private equity market.

Upon closing of the acquisition of 4.75 million shares, which is subject to customary approvals, KKR will become RigNet’s largest shareholder, holding a 27% stake in the company.

Cedar Rapids, IA, August 21, 2013

Rockwell Collins, Inc. is acquiring ARINC Inc., a communications engineering and information processing solutions company, for US$ 1.39 billion.

The transaction is seen to bring together two leading players in the growing field of aviation information management, combining ARINC’s trusted networks and services with the industry leading avionics and cabin technologies developed by Rockwell Collins, especially with the rapid “digitization” of airline communications.

Petah Tikva, Israel, Aug. 19, 2013

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Spacenet Inc.  subsidiary to Tulsa, Oklahoma-based SageNet. The aggregate consideration for the sale is approximately US $16 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments and expenses.