Chipcon Group ASA has acquired Figure 8 Wireless Inc., in an all stock transaction. The merger between Chipcon AS, the provider of low power, low data rate RFICs, and Figure 8 Wireless, a provider of ZigBee ready software and firmware, will provide a comprehensive end-to-end ZigBee platform. It will also provide the combined entity the ability to ensure customers receive the full cost and functionality benefits promised by the ZigBee Alliance. Under the agreement, Figure 8 Wireless has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Chipcon Group ASA and will continue to focus on Zigbee solutions and support all current customers. The combined company will provide a common global presence for its one-stop Zigbee solution with direct sales and support operations in Europe, North America and Asia. It will offer customers a full range of ZigBee ready radios, software, development tools and reference designs for end-to-end ZigBee solutions. In addition, it is expected that the software capabilities of Figure 8 Wireless will significantly enhance Chipcon’s current and future proprietary RF and standards-based solutions. Commenting on the acquisition, Geir Førre, president and CEO of Chipcon AS, stated, “Over the course of our partnership in delivering ZigBee ready solutions for our RF transceivers, we developed a close working relationship with the Figure 8 team. Merging our two companies’ activities will result in a tremendous enhancement in our software capabilities and will provide the resources to execute on our product strategy and ensure the success of the ZigBee standard and the company.”