Nomad Digital Acquires QinetiQ Rail

Nomad Continues Rapid Expansion as a Leading Player in the Provision of Mobile Wireless Technology Across the Rail Industry
 
Nomad Digital, providers and operators of specialist mobility networks, Has announced its acquisition of QinetiQ Rail, the commercial rail division of QinetiQ, one of the leading defence and security technology companies. QinetiQ has sold QinetiQ Rail to Nomad Digital for 8.6% of Nomad's ordinary share capital, and retains a further interest in the company with the purchase of GBP1.5m of Nomad preference shares. QinetiQ will now use Nomad as a key channel partner for providing products and services to the rail industry.
 
Nigel Wallbridge, Executive Chairman of Nomad Digital, comments: "This acquisition is part of Nomad's high-growth strategy in the provision of  mobile wireless services to the rail transportation sector, giving us further traction in this specialist market. The transportation sector is full of opportunities for a wide range of WiMAX broadband and narrowband mobile wireless services and it is largely under-served by conventional mobile network operators. The acquisition will strengthen our existing market leading technical capabilities, but more significantly, enhance our offering of value added on-train services, such as live CCTV, train operating system applications, more reliable train-to-shore communications and entertainment services for passengers. By retaining an interest in Nomad, QinetiQ has demonstrated its conviction that we have a strong business here." 
 
QinetiQ's investment is supported by a trading agreement which gives Nomad access to QinetiQ's leading edge security and operational  applications that complement Nomad's core communications services. This relationship enables Nomad Digital to meet the current market demand for onboard  wireless communications as well as providing it with access to significant  technical resources capable of meeting the most challenging requirements of the rail industry.
 
Services currently provided by QinetiQ Rail include wireless broadband, customer information systems and the use of technology to improve the overall safety, reliability and performance of trains. Following the acquisition, management of these current services will now be conducted by Nomad.
 
Nomad is already established in providing advanced WiMAX and WiFi services for passengers and staff on board trains across the UK and North America. It announced prestigious contract wins in 2006 with Virgin Trains and the Heathrow Express.
 
Already 2007 has seen the expansion of Nomad's headquarters in Newcastle UK, the opening of sales offices in Asia and successful customer trials of advanced remote video systems in California.