DLA Piper advises the Canadian group Nautel on the acquisition of radio communications innovators, Digidia and Kenta

DLA Piper has advised the technology group Nautel, a specialist in the development of high-power electronic equipment and digital signal processing, headquartered in Canada, in its acquisition of Digidia and Kenta, leaders in digital broadcasting solutions, based respectively near Rennes and Quimper.

Founded in 1969, Nautel is one of the world's leading manufacturers of AM and FM radio transmitters, with key contributions in the field of digital broadcasting. Nautel is a leading manufacturer of sonar amplifiers, sonar transducers, navigation beacons, eLORAN, NAVTEX and weather radio transmitters.

Digidia was founded in 2005 and has developed unique development expertise related to two of the most popular digital transmission standards in the broadcast industry, DAB+ and DRM. The company has also developed specialised solutions for synchronising radio transmissions for motorway projects or radio reception in Europe's mountain tunnels.

Founded in 1990, Kenta specialises in the development of radio frequency communication systems, mainly in the field of Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS). The company was acquired by Digidia in 2011.

This transaction will enable Nautel to broaden its core offering to customers in the broadcasting and maritime communications sectors worldwide. Kenta and Digidia will benefit from Nautel's extensive international network to significantly expand their market presence.

The DLA Piper team was led by partner Paris-based Corporate partner Xavier Norlain, who was supported by senior associate Laurent Asquin, and associates Yasmine Djerrari and Mélanie Walusiak. Regulatory partner Edouard Sarrazin and counsel Céline Espesson advised on the regulatory aspects of the transaction. Partner Philippe Danesi with senior associate Marie Durand-Gasselin and associate Antoine Boubazine advised on the employment law aspects. Partner Myriam Mejdoubi and associate Cécile Taron advised on the Real Estate aspects.