GPS World, February 2009

THE BUSINESS MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS MiTAC Completes Purchase of Magellan Consumer EADS Astrium Buys SSTL The European Commission has approved Netherlands based EADS Astriums acquisition of the U K s Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd SSTL the University of Surrey spin out company which specializes in the design and manufacture of small satellites and subsystems The acquisition follows the approval of the European Commission in December 2008 SSTL joins EADS Astrium following a decision by the University of Surrey to sell its majority stake of 85 percent in the small satellite manufacturer it founded SSTL will remain an independent U K company with its individual brand while benefiting from access to EADS Astriums financial resources according to the companies Astrium will benefit from enhanced links with the University of Surrey to support staff training and development also leading to greater cooperation and research PCTEL Acquires Wi Sys Chicago based PCTEL Inc has acquired Wi Sys Communications Inc the Ottawa Canada based company that specializes in GPS antenna and receiver technology PCTEL made the announcement January 5 In 2008 Wi Syss proprietary products and technology generated about 22 million in revenue PCTEL will pay 21 million for Wi Sys and will fully integrate the Wi Sys operations into its Antenna Products Group Wi Sys product line includes antennas for GPS L1 L2 and for Iridium and GlobalStar satellite communications systems With this acquisition PCTEL will extend its product offering and technology base of GPS antenna receivers The Wi Sys product line will also be sold through PCTELs existing distribution channels Taiwans MiTAC International Corp has completed its purchase of the consumer product division of Magellan Navigation Inc reiterating that it intends to maintain the brand in North America along with its other brand Mio Magellans consumer division will be renamed MiTAC Digital Corp and function as a MiTAC wholly owned subsidiary but will continue to use the Magellan name and logo The division will remain headquartered in Santa Clara California It will share technological expertise with Mio even as the two brands remain separate O M N I S T A R H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E T M D G P S B R I N G I N G D E C I M E T E R A C C U R A C Y W I T H I N R E A C H Introducing OmniSTAR High Performance HP our revolutionary new DGPS system that redefines the standard for differential correction OmniSTAR has developed cost effective reliable real time corrections enabling high accuracy applications over entire continents without deploying local base stations Our innovative HP signal provides five times the accuracy of standard DGPS for horizontal accuracy of 10 15 cms HP means a wide area solution offering previously unobtainable levels of accuracy opening the door for high precision uses such as auto steering guidance and automation of agri vehicles increased hit probability for GIS utilities rough grading for construction applications survey projects oil exploration aerial photogrammetry and more We just raised the bar on accuracy and reliability but its way within your reach OmniSTAR HP Others promise we deliver Contact us for more information www omnistar com E x p e c t h i g h p e r f o r m a n c e 2005 OmniSTAR GPS World February 2009 www gpsworld com 12