Here is the acquisition news...here on SI....but that's an interesting site....
KLP
siliconinvestor.com
Norsat To Expand Broadband Satellite Ground Station Capabilities With
SpectraWorks Acquisition
BURNABY, B.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 29, 2000--Norsat International Inc.
(NASDAQ: NSATF)(TSE: NII.), today
announced the signing of an agreement to acquire, subject to regulatory approval,
privately-held SpectraWorks, Inc., a leading
developer of systems and software for the broadcasting of multimedia broadband
content across satellite, terrestrial wireless
and digital cable networks. Terms of the transaction will be disclosed upon signing of
the definitive agreement.
SpectraWorks' core multimedia information system consists of integrated proprietary
hardware and software technologies,
including a high-speed content stream generator and complete network management
system. The system is based on an open
standards Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Data Hub platform and is scaleable to
meet a range of Internet Protocol (I/P)
network applications. The system also features a proprietary, advanced subscriber
management system which allows
broadcasters to offer pricing structures based on bandwidth usage measured in units as
small as a single byte. This feature, as
well as others, may also be offered separately as a standalone system to operators of
satellite and other wireless and terrestrial
systems.
Robert H. Bucher, Norsat's President and CEO, commented, "The acquisition of
SpectraWorks will be a major step forward
for Norsat, significantly broadening the range of solutions we can provide for
multimedia Internet and private Internet-based
data networks. With SpectraWorks, we will add uplink broadcast 'transport' products
to our terminal 'access' products, which
include the Ka-band outdoor units (ODUs) we are developing for the new
ASTRA-NET and KoreaSAT satellite broadband
multimedia networks."
Existing installations of SpectraWorks' products are a result of direct sales and an
ongoing distribution agreement between
SpectraWorks and Scientific Atlanta. SpectraWorks DVB data broadcast systems are
currently installed in North America,
Asia, Africa and Europe.
SpectraWorks' President and CEO, Dr. Moe Barakat, is a member of Norsat's board
of directors.
Gordon M. Deans, Norsat's Vice President for Satellite Solutions, said, "The two firms
mutually reinforce each others'
strengths. SpectraWorks brings an outstanding group of multimedia networking
products which will enable Norsat to provide
total turn-key satellite-based solutions. In turn, SpectraWorks' products will benefit
from Norsat's international distribution
network, loyal customer base in the satellite industry, and complementary technology."
Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and distributes premium products for use in
the satellite wireless communications
industry. It has four principal operating units. Norsat Satellite Products is a leading
supplier of satellite signal receivers,
transmitters, and other ground station equipment. Norsat Satellite Solutions supplies
interactive user terminals to the satellite
broadband I/P market. Norsat Narrowband Networks specializes in voice and data
products and services for the Globalstar
satellite constellation. The Company's Norsat America Inc. subsidiary operates a
network of 14 branch offices across the U.S.
and is a distributor of DIRECTV(r) satellite service to the direct-to-home (DTH)
market and a DIRECTV(r) Master System
Operator (MSO) for the multiple dwelling unit (MDU) market. Norsat America also
distributes DirecPC.
SpectraWorks, Inc. is a provider of wireless broadband multimedia networks serving
the commercial and consumer markets.
The company specializes in hybrid satellite-terrestrial wireless technology development
and its application to
telecommunications networking solutions. Innovative solutions have been engineered
for wireless networks over satellite, MDS
and LMDS system technologies based on the MPEG 2, DVB and ATM international
standards. SpectraWorks' head office is
located in Winnipeg, Canada.
This document may contain certain forward-looking information and statements
concerning the Company's operations,
performance and financial condition, including, in particular, the likelihood of the
Company's success in developing and
expanding its business. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates that are inherently subject to
significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the
Company. Actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. |
