Europe UK : Ascom acquires the UK-based Argogroup to strengthen its position in the global market of mobile and stationary network testing. Argogroup supplements the current Ascom MTS offering with its own competitive technology. Argogroup is based in the UK and in Germany, with customers worldwide.

In line with the growth strategy, Ascom makes a remarkable expansion by acquiring all shares of Argo Interactive Ltd. (Argogroup) based in Elstead near London, and its German subsidiary Argogroup GmbH based in Eningen near Stuttgart. With this acquisition, the Mobile Test Solution Business Unit (as a part of the Division Security Solutions) strengthens its leading worldwide position in mobile and stationary network testing.

Argogroup (www.argogroup.com) was founded in 1996 and is specialized in user experience optimization, making sure that mobile services and applications work as they are supposed to. Argogroup has a large customer base including the world‘s top mobile operators such as Verizon, O2, Vodafone or T-Mobile US. Argogroup has a workforce of 45 and achieved sales of more than CHF 12 million in 2007. The closing of the transaction took place on 10 March 2008. Further financial details of the transaction will not be disclosed.

Whereas Argogroup is a major global supplier for stationary testing, Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions has become a market leader across the same territories with its mobile (drive and walk) test solutions. The combined strength of stationary and mobile test will result in a best of breed proposition that will offer operators a complete view of their network, for both traditional and emerging mobile services. The Argogroup team will become an integral part of Ascom’s Mobile Test Solutions Business Unit.

Riet Cadonau, CEO of Ascom Group, says: ”The acquisition of Argogroup represents a remarkable milestone of Ascom’s growth strategy. Ascom is excited to acquire a complementary business with an excellent strategic fit. Mobile network operators now have an one-stop-shopping opportunity for stationary and mobile testing from the industry leader.”