Cohort Plc completes buyout of EM Solutions

Reading-based Cohort Plc, an independent UK technology group, has completed the acquisition of Australian satellite communication terminal specialist, Brisbane-based EM Solutions, expanding its naval defence offer and reinforcing the Group’s presence in Australasia. EM Solutions was previously owned by Canberra-based space, counter-drone and defence company EOS which divested it as a non-core business in November last year.

EM Solutions is a developer of microwave and on-the-move radio and satellite products that deliver high speed telecommunications. The company’s principal activity is the design, assembly, test, and support of satellite on-the move terminals for defence and government customers, it says – particularly naval customers. In 2023 EM Solutions won a $150 million contract under Project SEA1442 Ph.5 to upgrade the RAN’s primary and alternate Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capabilities using its Cobra and King Cobra satellite terminals.

The company also provides high-end broadband radio transceivers and other RF Subsystems such as low noise receivers and solid-state high-power transmitters for defence and commercial customers.

“This is a significant step for Cohort, broadening the Group’s strong naval systems service offering, bringing new customers and enhancing the global footprint of the combined business,” said Andy Thomis, CEO of COHORT.

“The increasing security challenges in Southeast Asia and Indo Pacific mean that Australia is an important strategic region,” he added. “This combined with the increasing trend toward satellite communications means there are clear growth opportunities for both EM Solutions and the broader Cohort Group.”

EM Solutions will enable the Group to diversify into the expanding satellite communications market and complement its existing naval offer, says Cohort. The company will also become the seventh independent business within the Group and will report through Cohort’s Communications and Intelligence Division, Cohort adds.

“This is an opportunity for us to collaborate with other businesses within the Group to enhance our joint research and development offerings and maximise opportunities for providing our advanced satellite communications technology to more customers all over the world,” according to John Logan, Joint Managing Director of EM Solutions.