Transform-X completes acquisition of DragonWave, appoints new CEO

DragonWave has a new name: DragonWave-X, and a new CEO.

Arizona-based Transform-X acquired the Ottawa, Canada-based supplier of packet microwave radio systems, announcing the completion of the transaction on Oct. 25. Terms were not disclosed.

Transform-X is positioning the acquisition as a crucial part of its strategic goal to integrate best-in-class “5G+” communications technologies to compete in the 5G+ market for small cell densification and RAN solutions.

The new company will expand its portfolio in the future with new radio solutions that integrate disruptive waveform, antenna and hardware technologies.

Founded in 2000, DragonWave's carrier-grade point-to-point packet microwave systems have been installed around the world to help customers drive their next-gen IP networks. Transform-X, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, said it has acquired rights to several patented technologies that offer “dramatic increases in bandwidth and efficiencies for existing wireless and wired networks.”

The company expects these combined capabilities will drive continued innovation and new industry leading products. “DragonWave-X looks forward to sharing these developments with their customers and partners in the near term,” according to a press release (PDF).

RELATED: DragonWave preparing for new owner in Transform-X

DragonWave has been a key player in backhaul for many years, but the company suffered a hit in 2015 when Nokia, historically a big provider of revenue to DragonWave in the OEM channel, acquired Alcatel-Lucent, a competitor to DragonWave.

Industry veteran Hans B. Amell was named as the company’s new CEO. His background includes leading transformations at companies such as Unisys, Dun and Bradstreet, AlliedSignal/Honeywell and Ericsson. He started his career as a management consultant at McKinsey.

“We are pleased to welcome Hans Amell to the DragonWave-X leadership team, we are excited to have someone with his extensive background. His industry experience and track record in global transformation and corporate agility will be an asset to the company as we execute on our growth strategies,” said Dan Hodges, CEO Transform-X, in a press release.

In June, DragonWave announced that it had been awarded a product supply and installation services contract from SmartSky Networks, a North American 4G LTE in-flight service provider. SmartSky will deploy DragonWave's Harmony Enhanced and Harmony Enhanced MC products to provide high-capacity backhaul for its ground to air 4G LTE network.  

DragonWave bought most of its microwave transport business in 2012 from Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and DragonWave was the preferred strategic supplier of packet microwave and related products to NSN. In 2013, the company rebranded the products acquired from Nokia Siemens as "Harmony" products.