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Austrian firm acquires local defence communications company

A Melbourne-based defence command and control company has been acquired by global communications firm Frequentis.

user icon Charbel Kadib
Wed, 04 Aug 2021
Austrian firm acquires local defence communications company
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Austria-based communications firm Frequentis has closed a deal to acquire C4i, as part of a broader US$20.1 million ($27.1 million) agreement to acquire several L3Harris business units.

The acquisition of C4i expands Frequentis’ command and control offering, while also expanding C4i’s access to the global defence market.

As part of the acquisition, C4i will operate as an independent brand in the ‘high-end defence trusted supplier market’ with a specific focus on delivering services to customers in the US, Australia, UK, and other allied nations.

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“We are delighted that with the closing for C4i we completed the transaction with L3Harris in such a short time,” Frequentis CEO Norbert Haslacher said.

“As a new entity of the Frequentis Group, C4i will significantly reinforce Frequentis capabilities in the very important Australian and US markets for multi-domain cyber secure Defence communications.

“We will combine the strength of Frequentis and C4i mission-critical communication platforms, to provide market leading technology and solutions based on extensive security, compliance and export handling processes.”

Established over 20 years ago, C4i supports a workforce of approximately 80 employees, generating a revenue of almost $23 million per annum.

C4i managing director Darren Gardner will continue to lead the independent Frequentis-owned brand, with Martin Rampl, Frequentis Australasia managing director, to support C4i’s integration and future positioning.

“Frequentis will further expand its Defence business in Australia and US with further investment into products and facilities,” Rampl said.

“Australia will benefit from C4i’s sovereign Australian capability and from increased global export opportunities.

“Finally, the close relationship between Australia and the USA will foster enhanced trusted collaboration for US based business.”

Frequentis’ broader arrangement with L3Harris also includes an acquisition of:

  • L3Harris’ air traffic management (ATM) voice communications business line;
  • Harris Canada System’s ATC Solutions business; and
  • a complete acquisition of equity in Bremen-based Harris Orthogon.

Frequentis has also agreed to collaborate with L3Harris on a number of technology sharing arrangements, including the integration of Frequentis’ voice communication products within L3Harris’ business model.

[Related: Austria-based Frequentis buys number of business units from L3Harris]

Charbel Kadib

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres

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