Av-Comm has announced its acquisition of STEP Electronics from Hills Industries (ASX:HIL). STEP Electronics will become a division of Av-Comm. The acquisition will complement and extend Av-Comm’s current business by expanding key strategic verticals in Government and Defence business, helping to fuel its growth strategy. It will also accelerate the technological evolution of both companies by offering Av-Comm’s customers and partners access to a broader range of the latest innovations in satellite communications hardware and integrations solutions.

The acquisition of STEP Electronics:

• Expands Av-Comm’s product line in key growth markets, including agencies for Kymeta and Thinkom for the innovative Communications on the Move solutions.
• Brings new relationships with Tier 1 Telecommunications Service Providers, Australian Government Agencies, and Multinational Prime Contractors.
• Strengthens Av-Comm’s growing capacity to provide turnkey solutions for satellite communications and related systems.

“STEP Electronics has a well-established customer base and reputation throughout Australia,” says Michael Cratt, Managing Director of Av-Comm. “STEP delivers sophisticated and critical pieces of satellite communications infrastructure to Government, Defence and private sector customers, helping them achieve their operational needs. STEP’s industry rapport will inject unique insight into these verticals for Av-Comm. This acquisition will broaden the boundaries of both Av-Comm and STEP and is a significant advance in our strategy to establish a full-service offering to our customers and partners around the world.”

“We are thrilled to welcome STEP’s staff to the Av-Comm family,” continues Michael. “The STEP name and rich heritage will be preserved with the aim to leverage capabilities to bring our customers and partners more choices. STEP has built a trusted industry reputation as the leading supplier of General Dynamics, Apposite, Comtech, and Teledyne Paradise Datacom products, giving Av-Comm immediate and exclusive access to their range of products which we plan to expand upon.”

STEP Electronics to continue to operate as a distinct and successful brand within a more industry-focused company, and the integration will enable the STEP team to take full advantage of Av-Comm’s robust resources, scale and capabilities to expand the reach of product lines and grow the division.

About Av-Comm

Av-Comm is an Australia-based satellite communications infrastructure and services provider established for over 39 years. Av-Comm actively serves the broadcast, enterprise, and government satellite communication markets with active projects and services in six countries. Av-Comm also provides the satellite communications market with innovative and value driven equipment solutions used in the satellite communications industry globally.

About STEP Electronics

STEP Electronics is the premier provider of a wide range of satellite communications systems, equipment and services within the Australian and South Pacific regions. Over its 30 years of operation, STEP Electronics has built an enviable reputation for its technical skills and knowledge of partner products that are sold and supported.