Power and automation technology major ABB is to acquire Tropos Networks Inc., a Silicon Valley-based company that develops and markets wireless technologies and products for distribution area communication networks. The acquisition will expand ABB’s communications systems offering in the power, transportation, mining and public infrastructure sectors and extend its existing offering of communications solutions for the power distribution sector. It also reinforces ABB’s increased focus on the North American market and complements its global presence in utility and industrial communications. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012.
Based in Sunnyvale, California, Tropos employs 55 people. The company’s wireless IP (Internet Protocol) broadband solutions focus on reliability, security and scalability, key characteristics for essential services in smart grid and other outdoor industrial applications.
“Tropos Networks’ technologies are a great fit with our own communications offering, greatly increasing our ability to supply robust and reliable private networks for use in mission-critical applications,” said Jens Birgersson, head of ABB’s Network Management business.
“Customers will benefit from the combination of Tropos’ wireless communications networks and ABB’s automation solutions and system design and implementation services,” said Tom Ayers, President and CEO of Tropos Networks. “For Tropos, joining ABB will accelerate our ability to reach customers in new geographies and industrial sectors.”
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