Psion set to buy Teklogix

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 9/1/2000

A British manufacturer of mobile communications and computing devices has said it will buy a maker of radio-frequency systems used in warehousing. Psion PLC of London has entered into a pact to buy Teklogix of Mississauga, Ontario, which sells real-time industrial data-collection and communication solutions. Psion will buy Teklogix for about US$375 million.

Psion is made up of four technology companies focused on providing mobile Internet and corporate network solutions. Psion officials say the acquisition of Teklogix will provide the British company with expertise in local area networking technology. "Teklogix provides Psion with core technology in wireless local area networking for Psion to address the new mobile Internet world," says Psion's chairman, David Potter. "In the emerging age of the mobile Internet, more and more people will depend upon personal, wireless access to the Internet, wherever they are. The mobile Internet will empower them in their work and personal lives with information, communication, services, and entertainment."

If the acquisition meets shareholder approval, Psion says, it will combine its enterprise division with Teklogix. The combined division will be run from Canada by Ian McElroy, the current CEO of Teklogix.