Symmetricom sells UK antenna business to Sarantel

Network sync and timing solutions provider Symmetricom, Inc. Inc. has completed the sale of its UK dielectric antenna division to a joint venture called Sarantel Ltd. Symmetricom will maintain a nearly 19% investment stake in Sarantel, pooling the two companies' assets and interests in the emerging mobile antenna business.

The agreement is a critical step in Sarantel's growth strategy, which focuses on the design and manufacture of a range of mobility antenna products, including GPS antennas, Bluetooth antennas and 3G UTMS antennas. The move brings the production of a new generation of miniature antennas with exceptionally low radiation into the human body for all handheld devices closer to realization.

"This transaction allows us to focus on our fast-growing strategic network infrastructure and broadband access businesses, which contributed to the company's phenomenal growth of 30% last year," said Tom Steipp, Symmetricom CEO. "We will continue to tap into the exciting opportunities in the mobile antenna marketplace through Sarantel."

"Symmetricom's antenna products are a valuable addition to our premier line of mobile antenna products and services," said Barrie Foley, CEO of Sarantel. "The timing is perfect. We can now respond to the market needs for third-generation equipment that requires a more sophisticated antenna."

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Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online