GE acquires Microwave Data Systems

GE Industrial is to acquire the assets of Microwave Data Systems (MDS), supplier of industrial wireless networking solutions. The acquisition offers complementary technology to GE’s Multilin business creating growth opportunities in its current markets and in the US$1.3 billion global industrial wireless market segment, whichis expected to grow 15 percent in 2007.

MDS employs approximately 275 people who design and manufacture networked high-speed, microwave radios for wireless communications solutions in use in oil and gas, utility, traffic monitoring, and other industrial applications. MDS wireless technology – combined with Multilin’s current product lines in protection, metering, control and automation systems – will offer customers improved asset protection and control through enhanced security, speed and access of information by eliminating theneed for wiring.

“MDS is a highly technical and innovation-based enterprise with a stream of new products planned for launch in ‘07 and beyond. This is exactly the type of business we want in our portfolio,” said Larry Sollecito, General Manager, GE Multilin. “Combining MDS’ technology and products with that of Multilin not only gives us more and better solutions for our current customers but also opens up new markets for us to serve. The potential for growth is tremendous.”

Upon closure, the new business will be a wholly-owned GE subsidiary called GE MDS. Roberto Vengoechea, currently GM of Multilin’s Instrument Transformer business, will lead the company, working with its current leadership team of Richard Nozel, John Geiger, Mike Wagner, and David Rodriguez.