NEW YORK, 24 April 2007. L-3 Communications has acquired Geneva Aerospace Inc., a provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and has agreed to acquire Global Communications Solutions Inc. (GCS), a provider of portable satellite communications equipment and products. Both companies will be included in L-3's Specialized Products segment.
Located in Dallas, Geneva Aerospace designs technologies for UAVs, providing autonomy, precision, and control. The company has developed advanced flight control systems, communication systems, control stations, software, and systems integration services. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and major prime contractors.
L-3 acquired Geneva Aerospace on January 31, 2007. Now called L-3 Communications Geneva Aerospace, it is expected to generate annual sales of approximately $12 million for the year ending December 31, 2007.
Located in Victor, N.Y., GCS is a provider of satellite communications (SATCOM) systems that integrate data, broadband internet, telephony, multimedia, audio, video, and computer networking. Its customers include the DOD and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as federal, state, local, and commercial customers.
GCS is expected to generate annual sales of approximately $90 million for the year ending December 31, 2007. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2007, subject to customary closing conditions.
"These are two niche acquisitions for L-3," says Michael T. Strianese, president and chief executive officer of L-3 Communications. "One important emerging market for Geneva will be the use of unmanned air systems in defense and homeland security applications in commercial airspace."
"GCS is a leader in technologically advanced and easily deployed communications systems that are suitable for the demands of combat, natural disasters, and other challenging environments," continues Strianese. "This is an important and growing market, as real-time intelligence gathering and sharing have become a high priority for military operations, special operations forces, and homeland security first responders."
