[Satellite TODAY 01-04-12] Thales Group expects their acquisition of privately held RF and microwave developer Tampa Microwave to close in early 2012 following regulatory approvals, the company confirmed Jan. 3.

   Thales initially signed the agreement to acquire Tampa Microwave for an undisclosed amount in early December.

   Tampa Microwave will operate as a subsidiary of Thales Communications – a U.S.-based Thales company that operates under a proxy agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. The business will maintain its location in Tampa, Fla., and the current Tampa Microwave management team will remain unchanged, according to Thales officials.

   “The acquisition provides Thales with the capability to support [Pentagon] initiatives for wideband technology-voice, video, and data-at the tactical level. The acquisition also will enable Thales to offer wideband, beyond-line-of-sight communications where small size, lightweight, and low power consumption are crucial factors for warfighters,” Thales Communications President and CEO Michael Sheehan said in a statement.