Panasonic Europe has acquired Alan Dick Communications, a leading UK technology integration specialist providing end-to-end telecoms-based services to the transportation and mobile telecoms sectors.
The acquisition of Alan Dick Communications (which will trade under AD Comms), which includes AD Comms’ companies IPS, AIB, and Rail Order, provides Panasonic with an opportunity to expand into the rapidly-growing rail market, incorporating mainline rail, London Underground and other light metro infrastructure in the UK.
The acquisition is part of Panasonic’s wider approach to provide turnkey solutions to its customers that include connectivity, hardware and software alongside engineering services. As part of the acquisition, AD Comms will join the System Solutions division within Panasonic Business, to develop world class solutions for larger customers, providing a single point of contact and improved accountability. It also reflects Panasonic’s continued commitment to the ‘Digitisation of Transport’.
Managing Director of the System Solutions division within Panasonic Business Tony O’Brien said, “We are committed to being a strategic partner for companies seeking end to end business solutions in key vertical markets. We already provide a range of technologies and services specific to the aviation and automotive industries, rail is our next strategic key vertical. Following our review of the UK market it became clear that the AD Comms business and its management team have developed a fantastic reputation within the sector, with quality delivery and solid engineering innovation. Our position will be significantly strengthened with the transport infrastructure experience brought to the table by AD Comms.”
In July 2015, Panasonic teamed up with AD Comms to provide a trackside trespass warning system for the UK railway network, using a combination of Panasonic security cameras and analytics software to alert the operator to people leaving the platform. By joining forces both parties look forward to providing innovative solutions to support digitisation within the transportation industry. AD Comms will continue to operate as a stand-alone business, with its own brand and with the current management team continuing to lead the business.
