General Dynamics to acquire IPWireless Inc. to deliver multi-agency municipal networks for first responders

FALLS CHURCH, Va., 9 May 2012. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) has executed a definitive agreement to acquire IPW Holdings Inc., the parent company of IPWireless Inc., a provider of 3G and 4GLTE (long term evolution) wireless broadband network equipment and solutions for first-responder and military customers.

"First responders need fast, reliable, and secure access to full-motion video and other high-bandwidth services to protect the public and themselves," says Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. "Building on our legacy as a trusted provider of mission-critical military networking capabilities and applications that deliver access to lifesaving data on the battlefield, IPWireless' technologies will allow General Dynamics to expand our commercial networking solutions to better serve the needs of our U.S. defense and civilian customers, and international customers as well.”

IPWireless produces wireless network components, user devices, and end-to-end systems that enable first responders and other mobile users to access essential data and applications at high speeds, enabling applications such as real-time fingerprint identification and high-resolution video. Built on commercial networking standards, IPWireless' products improve first responders' effectiveness and safety by providing them with greater access to information, according to a spokesperson.

"Recent legislative initiatives have accelerated the adoption of these technologies throughout the public safety community and IPWireless provides the end-user devices and scalable networking components that enable that access,” Marzilli says.

Each company’s board of directors has approved the acquisition, which is subject to normal regulatory review. General Dynamics officials expect the transaction to be completed in the third quarter of this year. When the transaction is completed, IPWireless will be renamed General Dynamics Broadband and will operate as a subsidiary of General Dynamics C4 Systems, based in Scottsdale, Ariz.