PlantCML Acquires TCI (Tel Control, Inc.)
North America’s top provider of emergency response solutions acquires innovative NG911 company
TEMECULA, CA/HUNTSVILLE, AL (March 5, 2007) – PlantCML, North America’s leader in mission-critical communications systems for emergency contact centers, announced today the closing of the acquisition of TCI (Tel Control, Inc.), a leading provider of networked and hosted E911 solutions. The acquisition adds another important element to PlantCML’s portfolio of communications products, further solidifying its position as the country’s leading vendor of emergency response management solutions. The transaction is funded by Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. PlantCML is a portfolio company of Golden Gate Capital.
The acquisition combines PlantCML’s strengths in on-premise 911 solutions with TCI’s strengths in hosted 911 solutions. These hosted applications provide 911 centers with a broader choice of 9-1-1 call-taking and dispatching systems as they also allow dispatchers to access call control functionality from virtually anywhere through a secure public safety data network. TCI was awarded a patent in June of 2004 which outlines a method for delivering Voice-over-IP (VOIP) 911 calls in combination with ANI/ALI directly to the PSAP using next generation IP networks.
Timothy Fuller, President and Chief Executive Officer of PlantCML, stated, “This acquisition combines the innovation and flexibility of TCI’s hosting services with PlantCML’s significant on-premise customer base and strong distribution channels. With the combined resources of PlantCML and TCI, no company is better positioned to deliver critical communications solutions — particularly those related to Next Generation 911 technology.” Fuller further stated, “Existing agreements between each company, its customers, partners and service providers will be honored. “It’s very much business as usual for customers, partners and others who have dealings with PlantCML and TCI.”
“We are excited to continue to support PlantCML as it further consolidates the emergency response solutions space,” said David Dominik, Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital. “With the acquisition of TCI, PlantCML will add another strategic element to its core suite of products, enhancing PlantCML’s leadership position in its industry.”
“Customers within the 911 industry will benefit the most from this acquisition,” said Jeff Robertson, President and CEO of TCI. “Being part of the PlantCML family allows TCI’s innovative products to have the backing and support structure to help keep the momentum going in making next generation 9-1-1 a reality.”
About PlantCML
PlantCML is the country’s leading provider of emergency response solutions and services for organizations that serve and protect their communities, cities and countries. The company delivers telecommunications functionality for mission-critical applications through delivering flexible, scaleable E911 solutions covering wireless communications, Computer Telephony Integrated (CTI) workstations, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), records management, mobile data, digital logging recording, Voice over IP (VoIP) and NG911 solutions, and more.
Headquartered in Temecula, California, with operations in Gatineau, Quebec, and Franklin, TN, PlantCML develops, manufactures, integrates and supports solutions for critical call-center environments in both the public and private safety sectors, including transportation, utilities and federal agencies. For more information, visit www.plantcml.com.
About TCI
Established in 1969 with headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, TCI is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing world class public safety systems. TCI is a key provider of 911 solutions, enabling Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to effectively manage 911 communications at the city, county, and state level. TCI’s modular solutions meet the needs of the smallest 2-position PSAP as well as the robust requirements of centralized, networked metropolitan applications. TCI’s newest offering, Synapse, based on the Avaya Communication Manager Platform, is the industry’s first, fully-integrated, Voice over IP (VoIP) solution for 911 communications. For more information, visit www.tci911.com.
About Golden Gate Capital
Golden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm with approximately $3.3 billion of capital under management. The firm is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams to invest in change-intensive, growth businesses. Golden Gate targets investments in situations where there is a demonstrable opportunity to significantly enhance a company’s value. The principals of Golden Gate Capital have a long and successful history of investing with management partners across a wide rage of industries and transaction types. For more information, visit www.goldengatecap.com.