[Satellite Today 11-21-08]  EMS Technologies Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire U.K.-based Satamatics Global Ltd., a provider of Inmarsat IsatM2M (machine-to-machine) services, EMS announced Nov. 21.
    Satamatics enables organizations to locate, track and communicate with mobile assets, safeguard fleets, cargo and personnel, and monitor fixed assets in remote areas. The acquisition complements EMS’s Iridium and Inmarsat-based tracking solutions for a market that Frost & Sullivan expects to grow by 21 percent annually, from $610 million in 2008 to $900 million in 2009.
    "Acquiring Satamatics extends EMS’s satellite capabilities into the growing M2M market using low-cost satellite data terminals and further strengthens EMS as a market leader in satellite-based applications for tracking people and assets worldwide," EMS Technologies’ President and CEO Paul Domorski said in a statement. "We anticipate significant synergies with EMS’s current satellite-based helicopter and military-vehicle tracking businesses. In particular, we expect promising growth for security and logistics applications in the road transport market, particularly in South America, Africa and the Middle East."
    Dino Koutrouki, CEO of Satamatics, said in a statement. Koutrouki will continue to lead Satamatics, and EMS plans to retain Satamatics’ staff and operations in Tewkesbury. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2009.