Aether Buys Cerulean Technology for $150 Million

By Gail Repsher, Staff Writer


AUG. 15 ? Aether Systems Inc., a developer of wireless software, announced Aug. 14 that it will acquire Cerulean Technology Inc., a provider of wireless software to the government, for $150 million.


Aether Systems of Owings Mills, Md., said the acquisition will allow it to expand into the government marketplace. Up to 50 percent of the purchase will be in Aether stock, the company said.


"Cerulean is far and away the leader in their industry, and we are very excited about joining forces with them. Together, we plan to make mobile government a reality across the public sector by making it easier to deploy and maintain wireless mobile systems," said Dave Oros, chairman and chief executive officer of Aether Systems.


More than 45,000 users at 700 public-safety agencies, such as police and fire departments, use Cerulean's mobile applications. By combining forces with Aether, Cerulean of Marlborough, Mass., will be able to expand its product line with new handheld products and Web-based services.


"By combining our companies, public-safety agencies and the broader world of mobile government will continue to blaze new trails as wireless data enters the next phase of its evolution," said Bob Badavas, chief executive officer of Cerulean.


Aether Systems also announced Aug. 14 the formation of Aether Capital, a new venture division that will invest in and manage start-up wireless companies.