Argon ST buys wireless communications business

Argon ST Inc. has acquired San Diego Research Center Inc., a provider of wireless communications for military environments, for about $41 million in cash.

"The combination of workforce skills, cultural fit, and technology will allow Argon ST to expand into new markets and to support SDRC's expected rapid future growth as systems move into production," said Terry Collins, Argon's president and CEO.

Founded in 2001, San Diego Research's expertise focuses on advanced modems, networking and systems solutions. Over the last year, the management and engineering teams at San Diego Research and Argon ST have collaborated on various proposals and contracts. The privately held company is based in San Diego.

Argon ST of Fairfax, Va., designs, develops and produces systems and sensors for the command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance markets. These systems include signals intelligence, electronic support measures, electronic warfare, imaging, and acoustic systems.

Argon ST had annual sales of $271.8 million in 2005, according to Hoover's Online of Austin, Texas.