News ! (from Wi-Lan, WAVC mentioned):
Wi-LAN to Acquire Leading Antenna Manufacturer to Bolster Wireless
Networking Solutions
CALGARY, ALBERTA and KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO--
TIL-TEK Brings Expertise To Aid In Roll-out Of Wireless Networks
Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE:WIN - news), an innovator of high-speed wireless data/Internet communications, today announced that it has agreed to purchase TIL-TEK
Antennas Inc., a leading manufacturer of antenna equipment, for its design-specific antenna patents, research programs, facilities and impressive customer base.
TIL-TEK has an impressive list of customers that includes TRT Lucent Technologies, LCC International, TELUS Mobility, SR Telecom, Rogers Wireless, MTS
Mobility/Manitoba Telephone Systems, and Waverider Communications Inc [NasdaqNM:WAVC - news]. TIL-TEK is a strong supplier in the lucrative PCS/cellular and
Wireless Local Loop markets. The acquisition will provide both Wi-LAN and TIL-TEK with increased access to large Canadian and worldwide customers.
``This is a strategic acquisition for Wi-LAN,'' said Dr. Hatim Zaghloul, Wi-LAN Chairman and CEO. ``With this acquisition, we will be able to provide our customers
with integrated solutions. Future I.WiLL customer premise equipment will have the antenna integrated with the unit and base stations will have multiple antennas for
sectorization and diversity.''
TIL-TEK will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Wi-LAN, and Wi-LAN will gain control of several U.S. and Canadian antenna patents, research programs, a
facility including both an office and a an ISO 9001 certified manufacturing plant in Kemptville, Ontario, and a joint venture involving a manufacturing and distribution
facility in Brazil. Wi-LAN plans to continue operations out of Kemptville and to begin some antenna activity for its I.WiLL family of products in Calgary.
``We have been doing business with TIL-TEK for approximately three years and have developed a very strong relationship with their management team,'' said Lee
Warren, Business Development Vice President, Wi-LAN Inc. ``TIL-TEK has an extremely good reputation with its customers in terms of its overall operations, its
customer service, and the strength in its management team. Wi-LAN is committed to maintaining the high standards that have become associated with the TIL-TEK
name.''
Antennas are a significant component of the wireless network. Having the ability to integrate antennas with the company's products will maximize Wi-LAN's advantage
over the competition in network designs. After the acquisition, TIL-TEK will have a larger sales network, a stronger presence in the marketplace and an increased
understanding of customer requirements for use in antenna designs.
``Since 1979, TIL-TEK has focused on creating a positive presence in the worldwide antenna market,'' said Stephen Tilston, President & CEO of TIL-TEK Limited.
``Wi-LAN understands our business and is committed to ensuring a continued level of customer satisfaction. Associating ourselves with an industry leader such as
Wi-LAN will provide us with a larger name in the wireless industry and will give us access to a broader customer base.''
TIL-TEK's antennas work in frequencies from 800 MHz to 5.8 GHz, with selected products from 300 MHz to 28 Ghz. Further complementing Wi-LAN's patented
technologies and products, TIL-TEK's applications include cellular, GSM, PCS, DECT, WLL/WLAN, rural point-to-multipoint systems, radar test targets and Digital
Audio Broadcast antennas.
TIL-TEK will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wi-LAN. Closing is scheduled for June 29, 2000, and is subject to customary conditions including receipt of all
requisite regulatory approvals. The purchase price will be satisfied by issuing approximately 582,217 Wi-LAN shares.
About Wi-LAN
Wi-LAN, based in Calgary, Alberta, is a leading innovator in the field of high-speed wireless data communications, specializing in high-speed Internet access,
LAN/WAN extension and wireless access. Wi-LAN is the Chair Company of the OFDM Forum, and the company's W-OFDM patent is necessary for the IEEE
802.11a and ETSI BRAN HiperLAN/2 standards. Wi-LAN's products have been sold in more than 50 countries on six continents. Wi-LAN's common shares trade on
The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ``WIN''. Detailed information on Wi-LAN can be found on the Web at wi-lan.com.
About TIL-TEK Antennas Inc.
For over 20 years, TIL-TEK has been a leader in the design and manufacture of cost-effective, high-quality antenna products. The company, established in 1979 to
provide research and development in new antenna technologies for both government and industry, has become a leader in providing global customers with products and
services that meet and exceed their specific requirements, at an affordable price. With manufacturing facilities in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada and Sao Paulo, Brazil, and
representation worldwide, TIL-TEK has supplied antennas in over 80 countries for a variety of major wireless projects. |
