Module for success

Bluetooth specialist Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR) is expecting further strong growth on the back of booming demand for consumer products equipped with the short-range wireless networking technology.

CSR, which floated on the stock market last year, spent the first half of 2005 strengthening the dominance of its Bluetooth modules in the global wireless device market.

The UK company’s technology accounted for three-quarters of Bluetooth-qualified laptops and more than 60 per cent of mobile handsets produced during the three months ending July. The quarter saw CSR notch up record sales of £54m and boost pre-tax profits by one-third to £11m.

CSR has also been on the acquisition trail. In March, it acquired Clarity Technologies for its Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology, which enhances the audio performance of voice-based communications systems.

Last week, it continued its spending spree with the £27m purchase of the Ubinetics software business. Ubinetics, also based in Cambridge, specialises in communication protocol software for mobile phone manufacturers.