Global wireless communication firm u‑blox announced an acquisition of IoT service provider Rigado’s Bluetooth modules business this week.
The asset purchase agreement will enable Switzerland-based u-blox to reach new markets and channels, notably by expanding its product range in Bluetooth® low energy, Zigbee and Thread. With increased short range radio capacity, u-blox can also delve into consumer-facing products while Rigado’s existing base can leverage u-blox’s Wi‑Fi, cellular and positioning solutions for IoT applications.
“Rigado’s Bluetooth modules business complements our already extensive portfolio and gives us access to more channels and new interesting customers in the area of smart home, wearables, as well as fitness.”
“Rigado’s Bluetooth modules business complements our already extensive portfolio and gives us access to more channels and new interesting customers in the area of smart home, wearables, as well as fitness,” said Herbert Blaser, Head Product Center Short Range Radio, u‑blox, in a statement. “We’re also looking forward to the ongoing collaboration with distribution partners like Digi‑key or Future Electronics, where we’ll be able to offer a seamless transition.”
“We’re very proud of both our market‑leading modules division and Rigado’s fast‑growing edge infrastructure gateway business,” said Greg Rau, President of Rigado, in a statement. “The value we capture from the acquisition of the modules division will allow us to further accelerate Rigado’s growth in the gateway market – especially in key solution areas such as smart building and asset tracking.”
Ben Corrado, former CEO of Rigado, will join u‑blox’s Short Range Radio product strategy team, along with other Rigado executives. Rigado’s Salem, OR office will become the North American Short Range Radio Engineering Center for u‑blox.