PCTEL Acquires Wi-Sys

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PCTEL, Inc., announced today (January 5) that it has acquired Wi-Sys Communications Inc., an Ottawa, Ontario, Canada–based company that specializes in GPS antenna and receiver technology. PCTEL will pay $2.1 million for Wi-Sys and plans to fully integrate the latter company’s operations into its Antenna Products Group (APG).

In 2008 Wi-Sys’ proprietary products and technology generated approximately $2.2 million in revenue. The company’s core, low-noise and low-current products include a family of magnetic and fixed-mount GPS antennas, OEM antennas, and integrated GPS receiver/antennas targeting the diversified professional GPS market. These include integration in military, public safety, marine, and commercial systems.

Wi-Sys products are used in covert antenna applications, commercial vehicle tracking, and precision agriculture. Its product line includes antennas for GPS L1/L2 and for Iridium and GlobalStar satellite communications systems. With the acquisition, PCTEL will extend its product offering and technology base, which includes timing, aviation, land-vehicle, and WAAS-capable antennas. The Wi-Sys product line will also be sold through PCTEL’s existing distribution channels.

“GPS has been a strong product line for us over the past several years and we have been exploring ways to bring more focus to our efforts in this area,” said Marty Singer, PCTEL’s chairman and CEO. “Many of the exciting, new precision GPS antenna applications, such as agriculture, military, and network timing, are in the early phases of deployment and growth. We believe that PCTEL is well positioned to participate in the industry’s development.”