Andrew acquires satellite vendor

Andrew Corp., a maker of wireless products that include Direct Broadcast Satellite and Very Small Aperture Terminal antennas, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Skyware Radio Systems GmbH of Krefeld, Germany, for about $9 million in cash.

Skyware manufactures transceivers and other products for broadband satellite communications networks, mostly in Europe, Middle East and Africa markets. Specifically, Skyware’s microwave interactive low noise block (iLNB) and transceiver modules will add to Andrew’s current DBS and VSAT antenna product lines, broadening Andrew's range of outdoor antennas for broadband satellite applications, according to Andrew. The iLNB modules convert and amplify radio signals, such as television remote control commands from a subscriber back to a satellite service provider.

The deal is subject to review by German antitrust authorities, and the price tag also includes an additional cash consideration if certain financial performance goals are reached over a two-year period, according to Andrew. Privately held Skyware generated approximately $12 million in sales during its fiscal 2004.