Honeywell buys EMS Technologies, bolsters global tracking, logistics tools
Honeywell on Monday said it would acquire EMS Technologies, which makes gear for mobile networking, rugged computers and satellite communications, for $491 million, or $33 a share. 
With the move, Honeywell is bolstering global tracking tools and computing products used to track assets in transportation and logistics. EMS will also bring messaging and asset tracking technology for search and rescue, warehousing and automated environments. In addition, EMS' aviation division provides data storage, antennas and other surveillance tools to gather data.
EMS' software and tools are used in supply chain logistics, workforce management and remote monitoring. For instance, EMS LXE handheld and vehicle mounted computers use multiple radio technologies and satellite tracking to monitor cargo, assets and personnel. EMS' global tracking tools are being used in Afghanistan to track U.S. military assets via satellite. Troops and vehicles are tracked via Military Locator Beacons from EMS and terminals are connected to high-value assets to provide warning when something is amiss.
On the aviation front, EMS has a bevy of commercial and defense customers that use the company's antenna systems to for mobile and radar networks.
Among the key uses of EMS' technology:
- Flight tracking for air ambulance fleets;
- In-flight telephony, Wi-Fi and surveillance video streaming;
- Tracking oil spill clean-up efforts;
- Managing and monitoring mobile assets.
EMS will complement Honeywell's automation and controls unit and its aviation business. Honeywell has been positioning itself for growth markets.
The purchase is expected to close in the third quarter.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com