Thales's U.S. Communications Business Expands Its Company and Changes Its Name

CLARKSBURG, Md., Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Thales Communications, a recognized leader in advanced communications technologies for warfighters and first responders, announces a company expansion and the change of its company name.  Through recent acquisitions and intra-Thales mergers, the company's increased technology base and product portfolio now include adjacent markets.  To better represent its focus and offerings, Thales Communications has changed its name to Thales Defense & Security, effective October 1, 2013.

Two Thales businesses merged with Thales Communications – the navigation, surveillance, and simulation segment of the Thales air traffic management organization, and the former Thales USA Defense and Security, both long-time partners of Thales Communications.  They join Tampa Microwave, Visionix, and InterSense, the businesses acquired by Thales Communications during 2012.  Tampa Microwave is the provider of the world's smallest, man-packable, tactical SATCOM terminals for high-bandwidth, voice, video, and data battlefield communications, and Visionix and InterSense are the developers of industry-leading helmet mounted display and motion tracking technologies. 

"Our diversification within the defense, federal, and commercial markets is enabling us to broaden our technology base and increase our value to our customers," said Michael Sheehan, President and CEO of Thales Communications, who continues in that role for Thales Defense & Security. 

As part of the intra-Thales mergers, two other Thales businesses came under management control of Thales Communications, with no changes in their leadership – Thales e-Security, a provider of data protection solutions, and the Thales-DRS joint venture, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, a provider of advanced sonar systems. 

"Thales has essentially consolidated its U.S. defense and security businesses under one company," said Alan Pellegrini, President and CEO of Thales USA.  "This has created a larger, stronger company with operational and market synergies that will benefit both shareholders and customers."

In addition to its locations in Maryland, including the headquarters campus in Clarksburg, Thales Defense & Security has facilities in California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The company website has changed from www.thalescomminc.com to www.thalesdsi.com, and employee e-mail addresses have changed accordingly. 

About Thales and Thales Defense & Security               

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation, and Defence & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion (equivalent of $18.3 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop, and deploy equipment, systems, and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.  (www.thalesgroup.com) 

Thales Defense & Security, formerly Thales Communications, is a global company serving the defense, federal, and commercial markets with innovative solutions for the ground tactical, airborne and avionics, naval/maritime, public safety, and security domains. In addition to mission-critical communication systems, the company provides air traffic management navigation, surveillance, and simulation; helmet-mounted displays and motion tracking technologies; SATCOM terminals; advanced sonar systems; and data protection solutions.  Furthermore, Thales Defense & Security serves as a gateway for technology, leveraging Thales-wide solutions – such as combat management systems; naval, airborne, and ground ISR; and electronic warfare – to address U.S. requirements.  The company's offerings support Thales's Secure Communications and Information Systems, Defense Mission Systems, Avionics, and Land and Air Systems global business units.  

Thales Defense & Security is a U.S. proxy company (free of foreign ownership, control, and influence) approved to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government projects, supporting strategic partnerships in the development of key technologies for the defense market.  (www.thalesdsi.com)

SOURCE Thales Communications