GMS acquisition

has reached agreement to acquire the trade and net assets of Global Microwave Systems (

) from the

for $26m (£13.8m) in cash.

According to Wimborne, Dorset-based Cobham, the acquisition of GMS is expected to complete before the end of 2008, subject to customary closing conditions and approval from the US Committee on Foreign Investment. GMS, which employs 50 people, is based in Carlsbad, California and will become part of the Cobham Avionics and Surveillance Division.

GMS designs and manufactures digital equipment which is used in a variety of applications and is sold primarily into US law enforcement and national security and defence markets, together with the broadcast market.

GMS products include video surveillance systems and high-definition wireless video technologies suitable for standard law enforcement and mission critical communications applications. Its defence-related products have applications on unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

The acquisition of GMS provides Cobham with access to a wider customer base and creates a physical presence on the west coast of the US for its intelligence and surveillance business. On completion, the business will operate under the existing Cobham Surveillance Special Security Arrangement.

Allan Cook, chief executive at Cobham, said: ‘The acquisition of GMS adds proven engineering capability, complementary technologies and exciting opportunities for accelerating growth in the wider homeland security market through our law enforcement and national security business. This will strengthen our position in this rapidly growing market.’