Wi-LAN to Acquire Antenna Manufacturer

In a move to increase its access to large customers worldwide, Wi-LAN Inc. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) has agreed to purchase Til-Tek Antennas Inc., a manufacturer of antenna equipment, for its design-specific antenna patents, research programs, facilities, and customer base. Til-Tek's customers includes TRT Lucent Technologies, LCC International, Telus Mobility, SR Telecom, Rogers Wireless, MTS Mobility/Manitoba Telephone Systems, and Waverider Communications Inc.

Til-Tek will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wi-LAN, and Wi-LAN will gain control of several U.S. and Canadian antenna patents, research programs, a facility including both an office and a an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing plant in Kemptville, Ontario, as well as a joint venture involving a manufacturing and distribution facility in Brazil. Wi-LAN plans to continue operations out of Kemptville and to begin some antenna activity for its I.WiLL family of products in Calgary.

"We have been doing business with Til-Tek for approximately three years and have developed a very strong relationship with their management team," said Lee Warren, Wi-LAN business development vice president. "Til-Tek has an extremely good reputation with its customers in terms of its overall operations, its customer service, and the strength in its management team."

Having the ability to integrate antennas with the company's products will maximize Wi-LAN's advantage over the competition in network designs. After the acquisition, Til-Tek will have a larger sales network, a stronger presence in the marketplace and an increased understanding of customer requirements for use in antenna designs.

Til-Tek's antennas work in frequencies from 800 MHz to 5.8 GHz, with selected products from 300 MHz to 28 GHz. Further complementing Wi-LAN's patented technologies and products, its applications include cellular, GSM, PCS, DECT, WLL/WLAN, rural point-to-multipoint systems, radar test targets, and Digital Audio Broadcast antennas.

Closing is scheduled for June 29, 2000 and is subject to customary conditions including receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals. The purchase price will be satisfied by issuing approximately 582,217 Wi-LAN shares.

Edited by Ellen Jensen