Public Transport Wi-Fi Vendors Announce Merger

Icomera a supplier of Internet connectivity to trains, has agreed to acquire UK-based Moovera Networks, the manufacturer of fixed and mobile communications systems for use on busses and trains. The financial terms of the acquisition are not disclosed.

"The market for Internet connectivity on public transport is developing at a very rapid pace," said Ola Sjolin, Chief Executive Officer at Icomera. "Whether for Wi-Fi hotspots, CCTV monitoring, vehicle tracking or streaming entertainment, real-time connections to buses and trains are increasingly in demand. Moovera has acquired a strong reputation in the industry as a developer of innovative yet price competitive technology and has established an impressive customer base that in many instances overlaps with our own. It was a natural progression for Icomera and Moovera to combine forces to offer a complete range of solutions from low-cost bus products to high-end systems certified for the railway industry. Moving forward we will continue to build on Icomera's position as the dominant force in on-board vehicle communications."

Icomera currently offers backhaul-agnostic communications gateways supporting concurrent satellite, cellular and trackside networks in a single in-vehicle system that -- using patented technology -- automatically switches to use the best wide area network without session interruption.

Following the acquisition, Icomera will adopt the Moovbox brand for its new combined product line and leverage Moovera's worldwide network of Channel Partners who sell and support Moovbox systems in their regional markets. Moovera's Kent-based operations and its nine employees will become Icomera's UK office, bringing the total workforce in Sweden and the UK to over forty people. Moovera CEO Jim Baker will take up the post of Chief Marketing Officer at Icomera.

Posted to the site on 22nd July 2008