Rockwell Collins buys satellite business

Rockwell Collins has acquired International Communications Group, a provider of satellite-based global voice and data communication products and services for the aviation industry as it continues to expand its information management business.

The Cedar Rapids-based developer of communication and aviation products and information management systems will pay $50 million for Newport News, Va.-based ICG. Rockwell Collins said it may pay as much as $14 million additional consideration after the deal closes.

Kent Statler, executive vice president and chief operating officer of commercial systems for Rockwell Collins, said the acquisition will broaden Rockwell Collins' portfolio of information-enabled avionics by adding ICG's latest generation of Iridium satellite communication terminals and smart routers.

'When coupled with our broad array of network solutions, including our ARINC aviation networks and other satellite communication services, it accelerates our vision of being a leader in end-to-end information management solutions for airlines and business jet operators,” Statler said in a news release.

Rockwell Collins bought ARINC in December 2013 for $1.4 billion, significantly expanding its information management systems business segment. Kelly Ortberg, Rockwell Collins president and CEO, told shareholders in February that information management systems has become 12 percent of the company.

'It's a growing market, and I would like to see us build out that portfolio,” Ortberg said. 'I think that will bring some acquisition opportunities to provide further applications and services that we might be able to offer our customers.”