LGC Picks Up More Mobile Assets

The acquisitions keep coming. In-building systems provider LGC Wireless is getting bigger with the acquisition of the Cellular Mobile Unit (CMU) assets from Alvarion in a $15 million deal.

The transaction means that LGC will now be able to provide more of the gear needed to outfit enterprises for wireless coverage, including pico base stations and soft switching, along with the distributed antenna systems for which LGC is known.

According to LGC Wireless President and CEO Ian Sugarbroad, today’s highly competitive in-building market is all about being acquired or doing the acquiring. I would rather be the consolidator,??? he says.

The CMU, which Alvarion acquired from Interwave Wireless in 2004, provides base station and core wireless network equipment primarily to wireless operators, system integrators and government organizations worldwide. LGC says it is acquiring technology that will allow it to develop turnkey capacity and coverage solutions for carriers and organizations in facilities of any size.

Under terms of the deal, which was completed on Nov. 21, LGC Wireless acquired technology, patents, manufacturing rights, inventory, equipment and receivables. The company’s intention is to keep the majority of the former Alvarion personnel. The group’s Mountain View, Calif., and Shenzhen, China, offices will remain in place, Sugarbroad says.

Industry veteran John R. O’Connell was hired as executive vice president and general manager to head the new division. He previously was CEO of Kineto Wireless and Vyyo and is a former senior vice president and general manager in charge of Nortel’s GSM division.

As part of Alvarion the CMU generated about $21 million in revenues for the nine months ended Sept. 30.

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