Ismaning/Chessington/Indianapolis, October 8, 2004 – Willtek Communications today announced that its shareholders have signed a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its share capital to the US public company, Wireless Telecom Group (AMEX symbol: WTT). WTT is one of the leading US test and measurement companies operating under the Boonton Electronics, Noise/Com and Microlab/FXR brands. The four brands are successful providers in their respective fields of radio frequency (RF) expertise; the cooperation of these product lines is believed to bring about improved products and to further enhance the sales and service presence of each product line. The collaboration anticipates the combination of Willtek Communications with Wireless Telecom Group. The deal is subject to WTT’s shareholders approval and is expected to close before March 2005.
Although both companies are of similar size, the anticipated combination is technically an acquisition of Willtek Communications by Wireless Telecom Group Inc. as announced in WTT’s press release dated October 5, 2004. Willtek’s owners, Investcorp and Damany Holdings, receive considerations in cash and WTT stock, representing approximately 32% of the combined company’s capital stock. The combination of both companies results in a larger corporation with the potential to grow through joint product development and increased sales coverage. Willtek’s CEO, Cyrille Damany, will be appointed CEO of the combined group.
Boonton Electronics is a vendor of RF power meters and sensors with outstanding performance. Noise Com is the well-established manufacturer of noise generators, components and bit error rate test analyzers. Microlab/FXR produces a multitude of components for many RF applications including wireless communications.
“WTT’s market leadership and strategic vision match our own immediate and long-term goals at Willtek, making this partnership a perfect match for both companies,” said Cyrille Damany, Chief Executive Officer of Willtek. “I believe the combination of these two cultures and of our respective technologies will enable us to rapidly expand our products, enter new markets and deliver a broader range of products and services to our customers. I am personally looking forward to managing the combined company when the transaction is consummated and leading it to new heights in servicing its customers.”
Hazem Ben-Gacem, the Investcorp partner representing Willtek’s majority shareholder, commented “We are very pleased with our investment in Willtek and the outstanding progress that the company has accomplished since its buyout from Acterna in May 2002. Furthermore, we are excited with the prospect of being a major shareholder in the combined Willtek-WTT group and believe that further value can be generated from this combined entity”.
“We believe that this acquisition will not only increase our revenues, but we also believe it will make our combined company a more attractive investment to a wider shareholder base and allow us to reach new levels of capacity and future growth. We are extremely excited at what Willtek has to offer and look forward to the potential future synergies when we begin to work together” added Gary Simonyan, acting Chairman of the Board of WTT.
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