DX Radio, RF Technology buy IPMobileNet
A partnership of DX Radio and RF Technology recently announced the acquisition of IPMobileNet in a cash deal for the mobile data solutions provider’s assets.
“It expands our marketplace,” DX Radio President and CEO Don Klabunde said. “We’re in the paging marketplace and in land mobile … especially with station equipment and trunking gear, which will also be a second offering to the IPMobileNet customer base.”
Currently based in Irvine, Calif., IPMobileNet is a designer, manufacturer and integrator of mobile data solutions — providing 64 kb/s throughput on 12.5 kHz channels — for the utility, public-safety and intelligent-transportation sectors, Klabunde said. Nine IPMobileNet employees will be moving to work in DX Radio’s offices in Sun Valley, Calif., in a transition that is expected to be completed next week, Klabunde said. With the new employees, DX Radio will have 30 employees.
Products offered by the IPMobileNet, DX Radio and RF Technology will continue to be offered under their current brand names, Klabunde said. Customer service will be an emphasis for each of the units, he said.
“Anybody can sell product, but customer service is what customers are looking for, and that’s what brings on extra sales,” Klabunde said.
DX Radio and RF Technology noted that IPMobileNet was the subject of “unfounded rumors spread by another data radio products company” in a press release announcing the deal.
“One of our competitors was saying that IPMobileNet was now out of business, so they could pick up the business that was out there coming to IPMobileNet,” Klabunde said. “It was a little dirty.”
IPMobileNet officials are hopeful the acquisition will help it broaden its market base.
“With this acquisition, IPMobileNet gains the strength needed to compete at a higher level,” IPMobileNet COO Eric Tanner said in a prepared statement. “The combined resources will enable us to offer a broader suite of products, and have a greater reach to achieve critical mass. We look forward to working in the focused group towards a quick and seamless transition.”
With the acquisition of IPMobileNet, Klabunde said he does not anticipate the DX Radio-RF Technology partnership to purchase another company for some time but noted that “our minds and doors are open.” Australia-based RF Technology has been DX Radio’s vendor since 1991, Klabunde said.
“Eventually, DX will be doing the North America manufacturing for RF Technology,” Klabunde said. “That’s out a ways, but that’s what our plan is.”
