French low Earth orbit (LEO) specialist E-Space has acquired UK firm CommAgility from the Wireless Telecom Group for $14.5m.

CommAgility is a stand-alone developer of embedded signal processing and RF modules, with its own LTE phy and stack source code for commercial grade 4G and 5G mobile networks, air-to-ground (ATG), satellite communications (satcom) and related applications.

The purchase price is $14.5m, inclusive of $13.75m in cash consideration and a $750,000 note payable, subject to agreed-upon reductions.

Integrating CommAgility’s custom 3GPP 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks) source code into E-Space’s vertically integrated capabilities will enable E-Space to accelerate 5G NTN, 5G-Advanced and 6G innovation, speed its satellite payload and customer use case development, and advance its space-based connectivity.

Today, CommAgility’s software already drives over 50,000 terrestrial base stations and is used for ATG and commercial satellites.

“We look forward to welcoming CommAgility into Team E-Space,” said Greg Wyler, E-Space CEO. “Their existing, proven and deep 5G code base along with their incredible team experience would have taken years to recreate. This puts us in a unique and leading position for the deployment of our space-based technologies. We will continue to invest heavily in this code base to enable 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies which will provide tremendous value to customers.”

Tim Whelan, CEO of Wireless Telecom Group, added: “When we began to evaluate strategic options for our CommAgility business, we held numerous conversations with multiple space-based companies. It was during this process that E-Space’s incredible vision, commitment to innovation and focus on end-user requirements ignited our team’s excitement. We made a clear strategic decision to go with E-Space, which we believe helps unlock value for our shareholders and ensures our team and existing customers will be part of a thriving organisation.”

The transaction, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is subject to various terms and conditions and is expected to be completed no later than the end of January 2023. Customary closing conditions include regulatory approvals. Upon completion, E-Space will add 50 full-time CommAgility employees, inclusive of key management. The new team members are located in Europe, with some based in Leicestershire, UK, and the majority in Duisberg, Germany.

Wireless Telecom Group, comprised of Boonton, Holzworth and Noisecom, is a designer and manufacturer of RF and microwave components, modules, systems and instruments. Serving the wireless, telecommunication, satellite, military, aerospace and semiconductor industries, its products enable innovation across a wide range of traditional and emerging wireless technologies.

Wireless Telecom Group is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, and maintains a global network of sales and service offices.