Air Traffic Management and Defence Businesses

HENSOLDT South Africa has acquired the air traffic management (ATM) and defence business units of Tellumat, complementing its portfolio and expanding its African footprint, the company announced on 1 July.

The agreement was signed by Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of HENSOLDT South Africa and Andrew Connold, CEO of Tellumat, during a virtual ceremony hosted by HENSOLDT at its offices in Pretoria on 26 June.

The transaction will be effective as soon as all regulatory approvals have been obtained. “With this transaction we are combining the activities of two leading defence electronics providers and strengthening our position as a leading defence, security and electronics brand in South Africa,” van der Watt said. “The complementary product portfolios of HENSOLDT South Africa and Tellumat create a complete sensor solutions offering, that is in line with that of the HENSOLDT Group […] We will create new products and services that will build upon the significant expertise that is being acquired.” The companies have business areas that complement each other, including sensors and communications, particularly for UAS and other airborne ISR applications.

The acquired activities represent a workforce of more than 100 people in Cape Town and Pretoria, with demonstrated expertise in a range of capabilities covering IFF systems, tactical communications (including radio and video links) and UAS, including a full suite of datalinks and avionics. Its ATM portfolio includes the supply, installation and maintenance of radar, navigational, voice communication and runway lighting systems for military and civilian airports.

Tellumat was established in 1963 as Plessey South Africa, becoming Tellumat in 1998. “While this new relationship advances the legacy of Tellumat’s well-proven and innovative products, services and solutions, it also further expands the sales reach of the acquired business units through the global footprint of the HENSOLDT Group,” Connold stated.

The transaction is in line with HENSOLDT South Africa’s aims to see targeted growth and expansion as the company focusses on both the local and international markets. Since HENSOLDT South Africa was formed in September 2019 as the brand housing HENSOLDT Optronics and GEW, it remains deeply committed to investing in the growth of its footprint in South Africa and the acquisition of the Tellumat business units is an example of that commitment.

Celia Pelaz, HENSOLDT Group Executive responsible for South Africa said that, “This acquisition is a further step in the HENSOLDT Group’s commitment to continue to invest in South Africa and to grow HENSOLDT South Africa as one of its home countries […] “We are leveraging the power of the HENSOLDT brand to expand its global footprint and open new market opportunities for the South African business.”