Marconi Acquires Northwood Technologies, Wireless Telecom Software Developer
Wireless Division strengthens portfolio with Cdn$42 Million acquisition of Ottawa-based firm
London — May 24, 2001 — Marconi (NASDAQ and London: MONI), a global provider of advanced communications solutions, today announced that its Wireless Division has purchased Northwood Technologies Inc., a Canadian wireless telecom software company. The transaction values Northwood at approximately Cdn$42 million (£19 million).
Northwood develops, markets and supports deciBel Planner®, a line of advanced Wintel-based software products that are used to design wireless telecom networks. The Northwood deciBel Planner software supports next-generation wireless technologies such as UMTS and CDMA2000, as well as other existing mobile and broadband wireless technologies. Northwood’s deciBel Planner seamlessly combines RF prediction and spatial analysis capabilities, enabling service providers and equipment manufacturers to efficiently plan, build and optimize complex and high-speed wireless networks.
“This acquisition further strengthens Marconi’s wireless network planning product line that already includes the Planet network planning application”, said Geoff Doy, Chief Executive Officer of Marconi Wireless. “With a new Windows-based product and a more comprehensive portfolio, we will be better positioned to help our customers address the voice and data service requirements of the emerging 2.5 and 3G networks.”
Marconi will be establishing a new Strategic Business Unit (SBU) for wireless network planning headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Planet and deciBel Planner customers will realize tremendous wireless network planning advances through the convergence of the market leading functionality of Planet and deciBel Planner within a proven, rapid application development environment. Marconi’s intent is that customers will receive first to market delivery of next-generation wireless software solutions for mobile and broadband markets, combined with world-class global support.
“We believe that this is an excellent move for Northwood, for Marconi, and most importantly, for our customers.” added Larry Woods, Chief Operating Officer of Northwood Technologies Inc “The acquisition allows Marconi and Northwood to combine our products, people and organizational strengths, supporting our mutual objective to become the leading global provider of wireless network design solutions and services.”
About Marconi plc
Marconi plc is a global communications and IT company with around 55,000 employees world-wide. Marconi has research and development facilities in 19 countries, manufacturing operations in 16 countries, and serves customers in over 100 countries. It supplies advanced communications solutions for Networks, Wireless and Enterprise customers, globally. Marconi plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq under the symbol MONI. Additional information about Marconi can be found at www.marconi.com.
About Northwood Technologies Inc.
Northwood Technologies Inc. is a developer and provider of wireless telecom software solutions. Based in Ottawa, Canada, Northwood has five years’ experience in developing and marketing RF network design software products, which have been sold predominantly in the United States and Canada. With 85 employees, Northwood had revenues of Cdn$12 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. Additional information can be found at www.northwoodtec.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to products, partners, customers, future growth and other matters. Please refer to the Form 20-F report and Form 6-K reports filed by Marconi plc with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements.
Copyright © 2001 Marconi plc. All rights reserved. All brands or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
Marconi Contact
Name: Mel Foster
Title: VP Media Relations
Phone: +44 207 306 1729
Email: mel.foster@marconi.com
Northwood Technologies Contact
Name: Jane Farey Wark
Title: Manager, Marketing Communications
Phone: +1 613 224 2020
Email: jfrareywark@northwoodtec.com
Copyright © 2001 Marconi Corporation plc. All rights reserved.
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