General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire secure wireless networking provider Fortress Technologies, Inc. for an undisclosed amount of cash. Each company’s board has signed off on the deal, and General Dynamics expects it to close in the third quarter of 2011 after customary regulatory approval.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, which manufactures secure communications systems, command and control systems and operational hardware for government and international customers, will manage Fortress.
Fortress Technologies increases soldiers’ access to information by enabling secure wireless local area network capabilities for battlefield logistics, convoy, command post and soldier applications. It is the wireless-technology provider for the Army’s only certified tactical wireless LAN.
“Fortress Technologies successfully delivers commercially developed, commercially priced secure
Wi-Fi/WiMAX networking capabilities that extend the reach of our current broadband tactical-internet offerings, ” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “Our high-priority military and civilian users require cyber-protected access to 4G internet services. Fortress effectively provides them with highly secure ‘hot spots’ downrange over the last tactical mile.”
“This acquisition will enhance General Dynamics’ ability to meet the growing tactical-communications requirements of global defense and civilian agencies, bringing new value to our advanced networking solutions. Fortress Technologies also will continue its current model of selling products to other DoD prime contractors and integrators, ” Marzilli said.
