EADS' Secure Networks System Integration Center (SIC) in Berlin, Germany, has been sold to Groupe Lagassé of Canada. To face the new challenges and requirements from customers, both companies have decided to position the SIC in an international environment in the area of Secure Networks. It is expected that the buyer will take possession of the business as of 1 December 2006 and the move will further secure both customer supply and the employees' jobs.
With references like the large scale BOSNet project – a nationwide authority network for Germany – EADS is preparing its secure networks activities for future growth potential by focusing on Large Systems Integration (LSI) capabilities for Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) in public safety, defense and critical missions.
Also, the acquisition will firm up Groupe Lagassé's relationship with EADS through the strengthening of its presence via a second production site in Europe, having acquired EADS’ industrial systems integration and preparation centre in Douarnenez, France, in 2005. The purchase of the Berlin site offers similar and complementary manufacturing and integration services and expertise in industrial telecom systems. It thus represents the expansion of its activities and positioning in Europe and confirms the strategy of the Group to develop telecom markets by relying on proven know-how and expertise.
“Due to our past experience with Groupe Lagassé, we are convinced that the takeover of the EADS Secure Networks site in Berlin will strengthen its capacity. In addition, this will allow EADS to concentrate on LSI business, in order to fulfill our customers’ needs and to streamline our Secure Networks business,” said Stefan Zoller, member of the executive committee of EADS and CEO of Defense & Security Systems.
 | |
| |
 | |
|