Takeover History in GPS business
Leica bought Magnavox to improve its GPS Survey product line. Too old for current valuation.
Orbital bought Magellan. Valuation about 2 times sales. Old news too.
Orbital bought Ashtech. Valuation 1-1.5 times sales. (correct me about the valuation, please)
Candian Marconi bought Novatel for 5 times sales.
Orbital is in the space, satellite launching, and communication product business.
Canadian Marconi is in the Space and Aeronautical business.
For some reason, space, satellite communications, and avionics companies have shown greater interest in acquiring GPS companies than others.
Add other facts - Top two directors at Trimble are from the avionics business.
Think of potential acquirers from the space, avionics, and satellite communications business.
Qualcomm is responsible for the infrastructure of Globalstar, a satellite voice and data service business. But unfortunately, Qualcomm's style is much different from Trimble's. Also, low cost manufacturing is not Trimble's forte.
Honeywell has few products in the satellite communication market.
Any others?
Arun
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