Selling testing

Aeroflex, the automated test systems manufacturer, is to buy the test and measurement division of wireless technology vendor UbiNetics, for £46m.

UbiNetics is a supplier of software and silicon intellectual property (IP) for 3G mobile wireless technology. It was born out of the Wireless Technology Practice of PA Consulting Group, founded in 1999 as an independent venture company. Today, PA and 3i remain major shareholders in the company.

UbiNetics currently has two core businesses: a 3G terminal software development and handset modem reference design business, and 3G test and measurement solutions business.

The test and measurement division being sold to Aeroflex designs and develops a range of 3G test products used by network equipment developers and network operators for debugging new network features, interoperability analysis and network 'stress' testing.

The sale will allow UbiNetics to concentrate on its remaining 3G terminal software development business, responsible for the multimode 3G protocol stack and 3G modem reference designs, used in mobile handsets.

Last month, Aeroflex acquired the business of JcAIR Test Systems, a designer and manufacturer of specialized electronic test equipment used in the commercial and military aviation industry, from the Goodrich Corporation.