South African based Alaris Holdings has long been on the lookout for opportunities to widen its already substantial footprint, which has resulted in the acquisition of UK based Linwave Technology. A specialist in the RF (radio frequency) technology field, Alaris Holdings company has grown from a small consulting service into a powerhouse, globally recognised for its extensive expertise and continuous development of intellectual property.
The Alaris Holdings Group currently consists of four entities – Alaris Antennas (based in South Africa), COJOT (based in Finland), and mWAVE Industries and Alaris USA (based in Maine, USA). With the acquisition, the Group increases its global footprint even further, boding well for future growth.
UK based Linwave Technology was founded in 2003 and focuses on the design and manufacture of RF/microwave components and subsystems. The company supplies its advanced and customised products across multiple markets, from defence, avionics, marine, industrial, satcom and healthcare to space, wireless, transport and security. Their extensive RF/microwave capabilities were a great attraction for the Alaris Group, as was the prospect of widening its scope into other markets from its core in the defence segment.
Alaris Holdings Group CEO, Juergen Dresel, has indicated previously that Alaris set out to complement the Group with strong RF/microwave electronics design and RF assembly capabilities. Linwave Technology fits this strategic requirement like a glove. A share purchase agreement was signed on Friday 26 February, with the same effective date.
“Linwave will contribute greatly to the diversification of various elements in the Group, adding new products, new customers, new territories and new market segments like medical and aviation. There is no doubt that this will lead to some great cross-selling opportunities within the Group,” stated Juergen Dresel.
While Linwave already boasts an expert skillset in the RF/microwave field, Chris Carr, Linwave’s Sales Director, said that they are “excited to become part of an international group of companies, thereby exploiting synergies to create new business opportunities.” He added that “the acquisition will provide an opportunity to integrate our RF/microwave electronics technology with the core antenna business of Alaris, to produce cutting edge and advanced system solutions to our combined customer base.”
The acquisition is a watershed for both the Alaris Holdings Group and Linwave Technology. The Alaris Holdings subsidiaries have developed their product range over the years from a components-based offering to more complete antenna systems solutions. By adding a strong competency in RF/microwave electronics design and manufacture, which complement the product offering, the Group and its subsidiaries will be well-positioned to take a distinctive lead in a niche market. Moreover, it is expected that Alaris’s established global footprint will assist Linwave in its drive to fulfil export potential and support a wider customer base outside the UK.
The companies share very similar value systems – centred around the customer – providing dedicated engineering teams driven by an open, honest interest in supporting their customers’ needs and providing world class RF and microwave technologies for specialised requirements and harsh environments.
Ian Duke, Managing Director of Linwave Technology, noted that “the management team and shareholders of Linwave are excited about the future of the business” and confirmed that “Linwave is proud to be able to add value to the already advanced Alaris products by means of our intellectual property.”
Mr Dresel added that “the plan is that Linwave becomes the ‘go-to place’ for RF/microwave design and developments required within the Group”, concluding that “by Linwave becoming part of the ALH Group of companies, (it) will allow us to become more system orientated. This enables us to strategically move up vertically in the value chain.”
Following its normal approach, Alaris will make no changes to the Linwave management team. Linwave will join its sister companies, COJOT and mWAVE under the Alaris UK Investment holdings entity, and the Linwave board will remain majority manned by UK residents.
COJOT is part of the Alaris Holdings Group of Companies.
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