Accel specializes in enterprise connectivity; Sierra focused on IoT/M2M
Sierra Wireless this week announced a “definitive agreement” to acquire Accel Networks, a move that will broaden Sierra’s enterprise “Internet of Things” and machine to machine connectivity portfolio.
The transaction is expected to close in June, according to the companies.
Accel provides primary and backup wireless service for more than 300 enterprises covering retail, financial, security, energy and hospitality.
Specifically, Accel helps clients transition from wired copper to wireless with last-mile connections and other managed services.
“We are excited to join forces with our long-time partner Accel Networks as we see strong strategic alignment providing secure, managed connectivity solutions for the distributed enterprise, as well as for the broader Internet of Things,” Jashon Cohenour, president and CEO of Sierra Wireless, said in a statement.
“With a proven managed connectivity service adopted by hundreds of enterprises in the U.S.,” he continued, “the addition of Accel will accelerate our device-to-cloud strategy and add significant scale and capabilities to our services business.”
Sierra is known for M2M devices and cloud services; the company offers 2G-, 3G- and LTE-embedded modules and gateways that integrate with secure cloud services.
Last year Sierra announced a definitive agreement to acquire Wireless Maingate for $90 million in cash. Wireless Maingate provides M2M connectivity and data management to more than 1,000 customers in Europe.
The agreements position Sierra Wireless as an end-to-end solution provider with the ability to offer and manage all aspects of enterprise wireless connectivity.
“Since founding the company in 2002, we have been successful in building a strong customer base by developing solutions that overcome the challenges of utilizing cellular for mission-critical networking and by delivering robust indoor connectivity in a highly cost-effective manner,” said Mark Gianinni, co-founder and CEO of Florida-based Accel Networks.
Accel Networks uses the iMaestro antenna, which employs cloud-based radio frequency link optimization and remote management.
Trextel Solutions CEO Jason Morros called Accel “an important partner for Trextel. The iMaestro platform, in combination with AT&T, powers our 4G LTE managed connectivity service offerings.”
