DataPath Inc. has acquired satellite communications manufacturer Swe-Dish Satellite Systems AB, DataPath announced July 11.

Swe-Dish, based in Stockholm, provides systems to U.S. military organizations; German, British, Japanese and Swedish defense ministries; and leading global broadcasters. The company will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of DataPath, retaining its management team, name and product brands as well as continue operate its U.S. sales and service facility in Reston, Va.

The acquisition was a result of negotiations that began in 2006 as the companies considered arranging a distribution deal, Lars Jehrlander, CEO of Swe-Dish, told Satellite News in June before the deal was announced by DataPath.

"We think it is a good combination,” said Jehrlander. “I think it is fair to say we are one of the world leaders in terms of mobile satellite terminals from 0.9 meters up to 1.5 meters. If you look at DataPath, they have their product portfolio starting at 1.8 [meters to] 2.4 meters and going up. It is a very good fit from a product point of view.”

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.