Vitec Group Announce Acquisition Of Nucomm And RF Central LLC

The Vitec Group has announced the acquisition of two leading US broadcast microwave businesses, Nucomm Inc. and RF Central LLC.
Nucomm is a leading provider of digital and analogue microwave systems for the broadcast industry, common carrier, cable, government, military and international marketplace. RF Central is a major manufacturer and supplier of state-of-the-art microwave equipment to television broadcasters throughout theUnited States.
These acquisitions further strengthen Vitec's position as the global leader in total broadcast technology solutions. Total RF, a rental company and subsidiary of RF Central, was not included in this acquisition.
Nucomm offers a comprehensive line of portable and fixed link microwave systems and RF Central has developed a solid reputation for delivering innovative technology and technical expertise in microwave communications. Both businesses will be in Vitec's Broadcast Systems Division, headed by Joop Janssen, under the company's newly formed business unit, Vitec Group RF Systems.
Vitec Group's Broadcast Systems Division develops, manufactures and distributes high quality manual and robotic camera support, lighting, bags, portable power solutions and communication systems used principally by broadcast and live entertainment professionals. Brands include Vinten, Vinten Radamec, Sachtler, OConnor, Petrol, Autoscript, Anton/Bauer and Clear-Com. As part of the agreement, Dr John B Payne who founded Nucomm in 1990, together with Vice President of Engineering John Payne IV will continue to lead Nucomm, while founder and CEO, Jeff Winemiller will continue to lead RF Central.
Vitec's acquisition of Nucomm and RF Central and the development of the Vitec Group RF Systems unit provides customers with a comprehensive array of products and services designed to meet any microwave need from single systems to extensive networks.
In addition, Microwave Services Corporation will join the team in the near future. With the creation of Vitec Group RF Systems, the companies are well placed to supply the leading products and installation services to broadcasters who have to replace their legacy analogue systems as part of the Broadcast Auxiliary Spectrum (BAS) relocation project.
Gareth Rhys Williams, Group Chief Executive for Vitec Group said: "We are delighted that Nucomm, RFC and MSC will be joining the Vitec Group. Together we can offer our broadcast customers an even wider range of the best RF products and services, which we believe will be particularly valuable to them as they address the challenges of the BAS relocation project and beyond. Vitec companies are established businesses in the broadcast world, and have an enviable reputation for product innovation and reliability, a commitment that is shared by our new colleagues. I look forward to working with them all."
"Nucomm is very excited to be one of the cornerstones of the new Vitec Group RF Systems business unit," said Dr Payne. "By joining with RFC and MSC, the new team is able to bring customers an unparalleled range of products and services.
"We have always been the technology leader in broadcast microwave systems, and with the backing of the Vitec Group, we now have a foundation to continue our growth and worldwide expansion."
"We are very excited about joining the Vitec Group," said Jeff Winemiller. "As the youngest of the United States suppliers of ENG broadcast equipment, we have, in just three years, proven ourselves innovative and responsive to the market.
"Our success is founded in understanding our customers needs, and providing outstanding quality products and services to meet them. As a member of the Vitec Group of companies, RF Central will be able to leverage Vitec's substantial worldwide presence, experience and other strengths to build an even stronger company, dedicated to serving our customers at the highest level."
(DS/SP)