Swindon tech firm acquired by BAE Systems

A Swindon-based manufacturer of high-end electronics has been acquired by BAE Systems, in a deal worth around £20 million.

Pulse Power and Measurement, which is headquartered in Shrivenham, produces technology that allows radio frequency signals to be transmitted over fibre optic cables.

PPM will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, retaining the name of Pulse Power & Measurement Limited.

The firm operates across the defence, cybersecurity and aerospace sectors and employs 60 people.

Amongst its wide range of capabilities, PPM provides pit lane and car telemetry in Formula 1, specialist measurement equipment for aircraft clearance, and high-performance electronic sub-systems for power trains on electric vehicle and aerospace platforms.

Its technology has, said BAE Systems, “the potential to increase the speed and ease of sharing large volumes of data over a network, giving users greater ability to exploit that data.

“As volumes of data grow, this ability is crucial to give military and security customers an information advantage.”

Ian Muldowney, chief operating officer and engineering director for BAE Systems’ air sector, said: “Pulse Power and Measurement Limited and BAE Systems are an excellent fit; both companies have superb technology credentials, thrive on innovation and work closely with military and government customers to deliver pioneering technology-based solutions.

“The acquisition further advances our strategic objective to develop and grow our capabilities in secure systems and information exploitation.”

Martin Ryan, managing director of Pulse Power & Measurement Ltd, said: “We are excited about joining BAE Systems and bringing together our complementary capabilities which will give our innovative team of specialists and engineers access to world-class expertise and ensure our successful business continues to grow.”

Pictured: Workers inside PPM’s hybrid anechoic chamber