Motorola Solutions in talks to acquire Airwave for $1.6 bn

Motorola Solutions is in talks to acquire Airwave Solutions, a U.K. communication services provider, for $1.6 billion, Bloomberg reported.

The strategy of Motorola Solutions is to build out its software and services business. Airwave, based in Slough, England, provides a communications network for the U.K.’s emergency fire, police and ambulance services.

In August, Schaumburg, Illinois-based Motorola announced a $1 billion investment from Silver Lake Management to finalize strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

The communications equipment maker failed to find a buyer earlier this year after seeking to drum up interest from private-equity funds and large industrial companies, people with knowledge of the matter said in April.

Macquarie Group acquired Airwave in 2007 for 1.9 billion pounds.

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