Ascom acquires Mobile Test Solutions Business of US-based Comarco

Ascom signed an asset purchase agreement for the acquisition of the Wireless Testing Solutions (WTS) business of Comarco based in California. This acquisition will strengthen Ascom's leading global position in mobile and stationary network testing. Comarco WTS supplements the current Ascom Mobile Test Solutions business with its own competitive technology and its customer base in America.

In order to expand its Mobile Test Solutions business and in line with its growth strategy, Ascom acquires the Wireless Testing Solutions business of Comarco, Inc. based in Lake Forest, California. With this transaction, the Mobile Test Solutions Business Unit (as a part of the Division Security Solutions) further strengthens its leading position in the global market of mobile Quality of Service (QoS) and stationary network testing after the acquisition of Argogroup in spring 2008.

The transaction is subject to regulatory permissions and approval from Comarco shareholders. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2008. The purchase price amounts to USD 12,75 million.

Comarco WTS achieved half year revenues in excess of USD 10 million in 2008, and employs 55 people. Comarco WTS will become an integral part of Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions Business Unit.

In late 2006, Ascom and Comarco established a global alliance to develop the next-generation QoS benchmarking product. As a result of this cooperation, Comarco received a major order from AT&T in January 2008. Having already exchanged and integrated technologies, the two companies assess this acquisition as a further logical step in their market and product development.

Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions has become a market leader with its mobile and stationary test solutions with deep expertise in third generation radio technologies. The combined expertise will leverage the success of the existing product line, placing engineering and support resources closer to customers while providing an extended range of products tailored to the needs of individual markets.

Fritz Gantert, General Manager of Ascom Security Solutions, says: ”Ascom is pleased to acquire a complementary business with an excellent strategic fit. With this acquistion Ascom now becomes a true global provider for mobile and stationary testing with strong US and European presence”.

ABOUT ASCOM

Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how in Mission-Critical Communication. The company concentrates on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army). The company has subsidiaries in 17 countries and a workforce of some 2,000 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

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