Verizon to acquire Hughes Telematics

1984 Verizon Communications and 2149 Hughes Telematics have announced a definitive merger agreement under which Verizon will acquire Hughes Telematics for a total of US$612 million. Verizon says the transaction will expand its capabilities in the automotive and fleet telematics marketplace and accelerate growth in key vertical segments. Hughes offers a portfolio of services through its commercial fleet, aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) offerings as well products and services for health providers and users.

The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012, and Verizon plans to retain the existing management team and operate the new unit as a subsidiary within Verizon and operated as part of its Verizon Enterprise Solutions group. The business will continue to be headquartered in Atlanta.

"We expect M2M and telematics to drive significant growth for Verizon and we're taking an important step forward to accelerate solutions that will unlock more opportunities for existing and new Hughes Telematics and Verizon customers," said John Stratton, president of Verizon Enterprise Solutions.