Motorola (NYSE: MOT) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in short-range connectivity specialist Digianswer from Olicom A/S (Nasdaq: OLCMF) as an integral part of Motorola's strategy for delivering Bluetooth and HomeRF wireless products to the mobile and wireless networking markets.
Bluetooth and HomeRF are short-range wireless standards that allow quick, easy-to-use data transfers between mobile and home electronics products. In the near future, these products will have the ability to seamlessly exchange text files, photos, music and more without connecting cables or wires. Motorola will embed Digianswer's Bluetooth technology into its DigitalDNA™ product portfolio for wireless connectivity, portable computing and home networking platforms.
Motorola will also use Digianswer's integrated solutions in several product lines, including cellular phones, two-way radios, accessories, broadband home networking products and automotive solutions.
"Digianswer is an excellent choice to help Motorola rapidly provide personal connectivity to our customers across all of our product families," said Janiece Webb, senior vice president and general manager of the Personal Networking Group. "They have strong knowledge of our products and were the first to publicly announce several Bluetooth solutions. Our collective experience will speed the efficient integration of their technologies into our personal area network offerings."
In addition to delivering Bluetooth functionality via Motorola consumer products, Motorola's semiconductor operation will merge Digianswer's products into its product line.
"Motorola Semiconductor delivers embedded wireless solutions to customers around the world," said Mario Rivas, corporate vice president and general manager of the Wireless Subscriber Systems Group. "We will make Digianswer's products part of our portfolio of DigitalDNA solutions for wireless devices that think and link."
Under the terms of the agreement, Digianswer will provide Motorola with its Bluetooth wireless technology and will co-develop a HomeRF offering with Motorola. In addition to the broad technology agreement, Motorola will acquire a majority interest in Digianswer. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"Motorola and Digianswer are the right team to provide consumers with Bluetooth and HomeRF solutions," said Ole Jensen, Managing Director of Digianswer. "Motorola has the brand recognition, the semiconductor expertise, and the market channels for the technology and Digianswer offers a working Bluetooth solution and short-range connectivity experience."
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