ViaSat To Acquire Jast Antenna Systems

ViaSat Inc. has agreed to acquire mobile satellite antenna manufacturer Jast Antenna Systems, ViaSat announced July 24.

Jast, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, develops microwave circuits and antennas for satellite and terrestrial applications and also provides custom design, development and testing of antennas for land vehicles, boats, and aircraft.

“ViaSat has been working on a number of attractive market opportunities in mobile satellite and terrestrial communication markets,” Mark Dankberg, ViaSat chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “Jast has expertise, innovative technology and market relationships that improve our competitive position in these markets, and their location in Switzerland can help us better support our European partners and initiatives.”

ViaSat initially will pay $2 million for Jast, but the price could rise to as much as $6.5 million based on meeting certain financial performance and technology development targets throughout the next two years. The deal is expected to be completed within 30 days.