Industry News
Herley Industries Inc., a leader in the design, development and manufacture of microwave technology solutions for the defense, aerospace and medical industries worldwide, announced that the company has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. for $19.00 per share in cash. The transaction will be accomplished through an all-cash tender offer and second-step merger, and will have a total value of approximately $270 M.
Anaren Inc. and AML Communications Inc. jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement whereby Anaren, through a subsidiary, has agreed to acquire all of AML’s outstanding shares of common stock for $2.15 per share in an all-cash transaction, representing an equity value of approximately $29.3 M and an enterprise value of approximately $22.6 M. AML is based in California and is a provider of microwave amplifiers and integrated assemblies for defense electronics applications. Upon completion of the acquisition, AML will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Anaren and will be reported within Anaren’s Space & Defense Group.
GigOptix Inc., a supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Endwave Corp., a provider of high frequency RF solutions and semiconductor products for the wireless mobile backhaul communications, satellite communications, electronic instruments, and defense and security markets. The combined company will retain the name GigOptix Inc. to become a high speed, high frequency leader for optical and wireless communications. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.
ITT Corp. announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved a plan to separate the company’s businesses into three distinct, publicly traded companies. Under the plan, ITT would execute tax-free spinoffs to shareholders of its water-related businesses and its Defense & Information Solutions segment. Following completion of the transaction, ITT will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange as an industrial company that supplies highly engineered solutions in the aerospace, transportation, energy and industrial markets. Under the plan, ITT shareholders will own shares in all three corporations following the completion of the transaction.
Rohde and Schwarz, a supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, announced that it has formed a relationship with Tektronix Service Solutions to offer customers in North America a single-source for calibration services. This represents the first time that two major test and measurement manufacturers have joined forces to provide customers with a comprehensive solution for all their calibration needs.
Agilent Technologies Inc. and Altair Semiconductor announced they will jointly conduct interoperability testing and validation testing using Altair’s 4G LTE chipset in conjunction with the Agilent PXT wireless communications test set and N6070A-series signaling conformance test software. The joint effort will accelerate the development of LTE devices and testing solutions into new operating bands.
Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high reliability analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling a broad range of end markets, and Ember Corp., a provider of low power, wireless mesh networking technology, introduced innovative solutions for ZigBee® applications targeting the growing energy management, home area network and industrial automation markets. ZigBee is a wireless network standard that solves the unique needs of remote monitoring and control, and sensor-network applications. Specific wireless applications range from lighting control, to door and window sensors, to appliance and temperature controllers.
Remcom announced its participation on a team led by Raytheon Co., who has been competitively selected by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop an advanced software tool to model and assess the effects of wind turbines on radar systems used throughout the United States. At the completion of the 24-month effort, Remcom and its partners, Raytheon and Analytical Graphics Inc. (AGI), will deliver to DHS’s Directorate of Science and Technology, Special Projects Division a modeling and simulation tool that will assist DHS in the evaluation process for new wind farm applications.
Boeing announced that it successfully conducted its first over-the-air ground test of a Ka-band satellite communications (SATCOM) phased-array antenna system that will enable wideband SATCOM on aircraft, providing increased bandwidth for networking in flight. The test demonstrated the new system’s ability to support a range of applications, including file transfer and a Voice over Internet Protocol video conference.
Ducommun Inc. announced it has received a 2010 Outstanding Supplier Award from Tektronix. Tektronix identified four key areas of distinction as the main reasons behind Ducommun’s Technologies unit (DTI) being selected for this award. These were: 1) Engineering excellence; 2) Consistent on-time delivery of quality hardware; 3) Customer relationship; and 4) Being reactive to customer requests. DTI engineers have worked closely with Tektronix on a number of new product development initiatives.
With its unique, non-hierarchical, team-based culture, global manufacturing company W.L. Gore & Associates has once again earned a spot on FORTUNE magazine’s annual list of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. The company is ranked No. 31. This marks Gore’s 14th consecutive appearance on the list, making it one of a select few workplaces to appear in every edition of the rankings.
Contracts
KOR Electronics announced that it has received contracts from the government in excess of $12 M in Q4 2010. The awards include major releases against the previously announced USN IDIQ contract that supplies advanced digital jamming systems for the US Navy and Air Force. The awards also include a significant contract for the final phase of KOR’s development of its next generation digital exciter receivers that will provide advanced capabilities to the warfighter.
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. announced that its Melville, New York-based subsidiary, Comtech PST Corp., has received $1.4 M of orders for high power amplifiers from a provider of aviation electronics and communication systems. The amplifiers are utilized as part of satellite communications systems that provide commercial mobile airborne-to-satellite-to-ground communications service.
Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Crane Electronics Inc., Microelectronics Solutions, a segment of Crane Co., signed another five-year contract with Cochlear Ltd.
Financial News
RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) reported financial results for its fiscal 2011 third quarter, ended January 1, 2011. RFMD’s quarterly revenue increased approximately 11 percent year-over-year and decreased approximately 2 percent sequentially to $278.8 M. On a GAAP basis, gross margin equaled 37.0 percent, quarterly operating income totaled $43.3 M, and quarterly net income was $36.7 M, or $0.13 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin equaled 38.7 percent, quarterly operating income totaled $54.0 M, and quarterly net income was $52.6 M, or $0.19 per diluted share. During the quarter, RFMD generated $54.2 M in free cash flow.
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2010. Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $253.4 M, up 31 percent from the fourth quarter of 2009 and 7 percent sequentially. Revenue for 2010 was $878.7 M, up 34 percent from 2009. Networks continued to enjoy a strong rebound from the lows of 2009, with quarterly revenue growing 50 percent year over year. Mobile Devices showed robust growth, with quarterly revenue increasing 12 percent sequentially and 34 percent year over year.
New Market Entry
Thunderline-Z, a supplier of feedthrus and hi-rel packages for the RF/microwave industry, has announced its new laser services for hermetic sealing of high frequency devices, components and subassembly packages. By employing the precise control of high power lasers, including advanced power ramping and pulse-shaping techniques, Thunderline-Z provides reliable hermetic seals for both standard and custom packages—even for package designs that incorporate posts or pedestals for stability.
Obituaries
Nobuhiko Kawamoto, past President of Tecdia Inc., recently lost his battle with leukemia in Kyoto, Japan, at the age of 69. He was a pioneer in thin film termination technology for microwave capacitors, who created Tecdia’s Kyoto Technology Center (KTC) for the design and production of single layer ceramic chip capacitors and other thin film products. He joined Tecdia in 1978, and served as a Company Director and its Chief Technology Executive for the KTC until his retirement in 2004. Prior to joining Tecdia, Kawamoto was a Chief Development Engineer at Murata Manufacturing Co., Chief Design Engineer at Nichicon Corp., and a member of the Research Staff in the Semiconductor division of Japan Physics and Chemistry Laboratory in Tokyo, Japan. He was a member of the Japan Society of Applied Physics, and published a number of papers and articles on thin film technology for high frequency capacitors and resistors.
Thomas P.M. Couse, 75, of Jackson, NJ, passed away, February 8, 2011, at home. Couse was born in Neptune and resided in Freehold before moving to Jackson seven years ago. He was an electrical engineer and was the President of Advanced Control Components in Eatontown for 26 years before his retirement in 2008. He graduated from Monmouth College with a BS in Electrical Engineering and then went on to earn his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University. Couse proudly served his country in the US Navy.
Personnel
M/A-COM Technology Solutions announced a realignment of its management and reporting structure that positions the company for continued industry leadership. M/A-COM Tech Chief Executive Officer Joseph G. Thomas announced that he is retiring after more than 35 years of distinguished service. Thomas, who had served as CEO of M/A-COM Tech since March 2009, has held a number of senior management positions throughout his career with M/A-COM Tech, Cobham Defense Electronic Systems and Tyco Electronics. M/A-COM Tech concurrently announced the appointment of Chuck Bland as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bland has served as M/A-COM Tech’s Chief Operating Officer since June 2010, with responsibility for the company’s worldwide business units and operations. M/A-COM Tech announced that Robert S. Donahue has been appointed its new Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Bland. Donahue has served as M/A-COM Tech’s Chief Strategy Officer since August 2009. M/A-COM Tech also announced that it is increasing the scope of responsibility of Vice President and General Manager Suja Ramnath to include leadership of all the company’s market-facing businesses.
SkyCross announced the appointment of Bami Bastani, PhD, to its Board of Directors. Bastani is the Chairman and CEO of B2 Global Consulting LLC, a management consulting firm focused on enabling corporate transformation. His expertise is in leading high-growth, multi-national communications businesses. From 1998 to 2008, Bastani was President and CEO of ANADIGICS Inc. Under his leadership the company became a recognized innovator in semiconductor RF solutions for the wireless and broadband communications equipment markets. During a three-year period from 2005 to mid-2008, ANADIGICS reported 13 consecutive quarters of growth at 38 percent CAGR, delivering both positive cash flow and solid profitability.
Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Intellectual Property (IP) expert Carl Schlachte and former Qualcomm President and Chief Operating Officer Anthony (Tony) Thornley bring broad experience and expertise in the areas of global IP/patent licensing and growth company executive leadership to Peregrine’s nine-member board.
Kaben Wireless Silicon Inc. announced the appointment of Ian Roane as its Chief Executive Officer. As an accomplished high-tech executive and entrepreneur, Roane brings over 30 years of experience in managing and growing technology companies. This includes his roles as CEO of Sound Design Technologies, General Manager of the Audio and Wireless Division of Gennum Corp., head of National Semiconductor’s Canadian IC operations and Vice President of Engineering of Sirific Wireless.
Norden Millimeter Inc. is pleased to announce that Maty Pardo has joined the company as the Director of Sales. Pardo brings over 30 years experience in the microwave industry, in engineering, management and sales. He holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. Previously, Pardo was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at L-3 Com Narda West and Director of Sales at KOR Electronics. He will be responsible for expanding Norden business in the military, scientific, commercial, scientific and test equipment markets. Norden designs and manufactures amplifiers, transceivers, frequency multipliers, frequency converters and oscillators covering the frequency range from 500 MHz to 110 GHz. He can be reached at (530) 642-9123 or e-mail at mpardo@nordengroup.com.
Valpey Fisher Corp. announced Malcolm J. Lomer has joined the company as Europe and Middle East Business Development Manager. His office is located near Colchester, UK. Lomer has over 23 years of experience in the RF and wireless semiconductor industry. Most recently, he spent three years at SiGe Semiconductor (Europe) Ltd. as Product Marketing Manager for GNSS RF IC products. Lomer also held key product-management positions at SiRF Technology Inc., Zarlink Semiconductor and Mitel Semiconductor.
Rep Appointments
RFMW Ltd. and TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. announced a distribution agreement for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. TriQuint is a manufacturer of high performance components for communications applications. RFMW Ltd. is a specialized distributor that provides customers and suppliers with focused distribution of RF and microwave components as well as specialized component-engineering support. To reach RFMW in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, customers can call the UK headquarters at +44 20 8848 4732 or e-mail: europe@rfmw.co.uk.
Richardson RFPD Inc. and Maxwell Technologies Inc. announced the expansion of their mutual business agreement to now include distributing ultracapacitors in the European markets. Richardson RFPD carries a substantial inventory of Maxwell ultracapacitor products, with stocking locations throughout the world. Richardson RFPD’s global field sales engineering team can recommend the proper ultracapacitor considering a customer’s specific electrical design requirements and mechanical constraints. Richardson RFPD offers Maxwell’s complete line of ultracapacitors from individual cells (1F to 3,000F) to multicell modules (up to 500F). Richardson RFPD also has the engineering capabilities to design and build custom ultracapacitor banks and assemblies.
Mouser Electronics Inc. launched a major global distribution partnership with Maxim Integrated Products Inc. This worldwide agreement between two of the industry’s premier solutions and service providers gives design engineers immediate access to Maxim’s vast array of advanced semiconductor components and tools.
Website
Amphenol RF, a leader in RF interconnect solutions, is pleased to announce the availability of IGS File downloads for the majority of its connectors. There are currently over 1,100 files available for immediate download, with more added on a daily basis. Visit www.amphenolRF.com to browse the extensive selection of cable connectors, adapters and PCB configurations.