Harris Picks Up Hirschmann Multimedia

Sensing a billion-dollar market, Harris Corp. is expanding its global digital broadcast efforts by acquiring a European firm.
Harris is acquiring assets of Hirschmann Multimedia Communications Networks, which is the broadcast business of Hirschmann Austria, a member of Aditron AG, the electronics sector of Rheinmetall in Germany.
Hirschmann MCN is a provider of DAB digital radio and DVB-T digital television transmitters, digital cable systems and low-power analog TV transmitters. The deal, subject to regulatory and closing conditions, is expected to be completed within 45 days.
Hirschmann MCN is based in Austria and will become part of the Harris Broadcast Communications Division. Hirschmann MCN had sales in 2000 of $26 million and has approximately 130 employees.
The acquisition provides Harris with a strong broadcast foundation in Europe, said Phillip W. Farmer, chairman and CEO of Harris.
“When combined with our ITIS development operations in Rennes, France, and manufacturing operations in Cambridge, England, Harris is well positioned to supply the European standards-based broadcast equipment for digital TV and radio, worldwide.”
Farmer said DVB-T and DAB transmitter markets are expected to exceed $1 billion in the next decade.
The chairman of the Hirschmann Group said it sold the unit to focus its attention on automotive plug-in connectors and satellite receiver technology.
Harris plans to continue Hirschmann’s broadcast business as Harris Broadcast Communications Europe, operating with established management and employees.