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Wi-LAN to Acquire Leading Antenna Manufacturer
to Bolster Wireless Networking Solutions
TIL-TEK Brings Expertise to Aid in Roll-out
of Wireless Networks
Calgary, Alberta
June 21, 2000
Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE:WIN), an innovator of high-speed
wireless data/Internet communications, today announced that it has agreed
to purchase TIL-TEK Antennas Inc., a leading manufacturer of antenna equipment,
for its design-specific antenna patents, research programs, facilities
and impressive customer base.
TIL-TEK has an impressive list of customers that includes TRT Lucent Technologies,
LCC International, TELUS Mobility, SR Telecom, Rogers Wireless, MTS Mobility/Manitoba
Telephone Systems, and Waverider Communications Inc. TIL-TEK is a strong
supplier in the lucrative PCS/cellular and Wireless Local Loop markets.
The acquisition will provide both Wi-LAN and TIL-TEK with increased access
to large Canadian and worldwide customers.
"This is a strategic acquisition for Wi-LAN," said Dr. Hatim
Zaghloul, Wi-LAN Chairman and CEO. "With this acquisition, we will
be able to provide our customers with integrated solutions. Future I.WiLL
customer premise equipment will have the antenna integrated with the unit
and base stations will have multiple antennas for sectorization and diversity."
TIL-TEK will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Wi-LAN, and Wi-LAN will
gain control of several U.S. and Canadian antenna patents, research programs,
a facility including both an office and a an ISO 9001 certified manufacturing
plant in Kemptville, Ontario, and a joint venture involving a manufacturing
and distribution facility in Brazil. Wi-LAN plans to continue operations
out of Kemptville and to begin some antenna activity for its I.WiLL family
of products in Calgary.
"We have been doing business with TIL-TEK for approximately three
years and have developed a very strong relationship with their management
team," said Lee Warren, Business Development Vice President, Wi-LAN
Inc. "TIL-TEK has an extremely good reputation with its customers
in terms of its overall operations, its customer service, and the strength
in its management team. Wi-LAN is committed to maintaining the high standards
that have become associated with the TIL-TEK name."
Antennas are a significant component of the wireless network. Having the
ability to integrate antennas with the company's products will maximize
Wi-LAN's advantage over the competition in network designs. After the
acquisition, TIL-TEK will have a larger sales network, a stronger presence
in the marketplace and an increased understanding of customer requirements
for use in antenna designs.
"Since 1979, TIL-TEK has focused on creating a positive presence
in the worldwide antenna market," said Stephen Tilston, President
& CEO of TIL-TEK Limited. "Wi-LAN understands our business and
is committed to ensuring a continued level of customer satisfaction. Associating
ourselves with an industry leader such as Wi-LAN will provide us with
a larger name in the wireless industry and will give us access to a broader
customer base."
TIL-TEK's antennas work in frequencies from 800 MHz to 5.8 GHz, with selected
products from 300 MHz to 28 Ghz. Further complementing Wi-LAN's patented
technologies and products, TIL-TEK's applications include cellular, GSM,
PCS, DECT, WLL/WLAN, rural point-to-multipoint systems, radar test targets
and Digital Audio Broadcast antennas.
TIL-TEK will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wi-LAN. Closing is
scheduled for June 29, 2000, and is subject to customary conditions including
receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals. The purchase price will
be satisfied by issuing approximately 582,217 Wi-LAN shares.
About TIL-TEK Antennas Inc.:
For over 20 years, TIL-TEK has been a leader in the design and manufacture
of cost-effective, high-quality antenna products. The company, established
in 1979 to provide research and development in new antenna technologies
for both government and industry, has become a leader in providing global
customers with products and services that meet and exceed their specific
requirements, at an affordable price. With manufacturing facilities in
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada and Sao Paulo, Brazil, and representation
worldwide, TIL-TEK has supplied antennas in over 80 countries for a variety
of major wireless projects.
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