No time to post links, but saw the press release this am.

8GCBC- Shaka brother! Heading out Maui dawn patrol right now.

-DP

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Public Company Information:

NASDAQ:
GRMN
KYG372601099
"We look forward to completing the acquisition and welcoming them onto our team. We are looking forward to leveraging their expertise to further enhance the Garmin lineup of products."
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland & YARMOUTH, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of DeLorme, a privately-held company that designs and markets consumer-based satellite tracking devices with two-way communication and navigational capabilities. The completion of the acquisition, which is subject to customary conditions, is expected to occur within 30 to 60 days.

One of the most compelling products in the DeLorme portfolio is its inReach series of two-way satellite communication devices. These GPS-enabled devices allow the user to send and receive satellite text messages or trigger an SOS for emergency help, anywhere in the world. In addition to inReach, DeLorme has an extensive library of digital cartography and enterprise GIS software, as well as traditional mapping.

“DeLorme is a respected brand with exciting products and technologies that are a natural fit in the Garmin portfolio,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO. “We look forward to completing the acquisition and welcoming them onto our team. We are looking forward to leveraging their expertise to further enhance the Garmin lineup of products.”

“Our inReach technology is invaluable to hikers, hunters, boaters, and pilots who often find themselves in remote areas – Garmin’s core customers. We are looking forward to completing the acquisition and are excited to help leverage our expertise into enhancing their already outstanding products,” said Michael Heffron, CEO of DeLorme. “Garmin has extensive R&D capabilities and a global distribution network that will allow us to provide this technology to customers across many markets and around the world.”

Garmin will retain most of the associates of DeLorme and will continue operations at its existing location in Yarmouth, Maine following the completion of the acquisition. The Yarmouth facility will operate primarily as a research and development facility and will continue to develop two-way satellite communication devices and technologies. Financial terms of the purchase agreement and acquisition will not be released.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin

Perhaps with Garmin's huge market presence/deep pockets, they will be able to make InReach even more price competitive, while improving an already great product. I have/had several different Garmin units over the years that have been very reliable. Delorme should be in good hands and a good fit.

Steve

steve wrote:Perhaps with Garmin's huge market presence/deep pockets, they will be able to make InReach even more price competitive, while improving an already great product. I have/had several different Garmin units over the years that have been very reliable. Delorme should be in good hands and a good fit.

Steve

I agree that Garmin is a good, solid company. But, more price competitive???? Now, that's funny right there....

When you OWN the market, the likelihood of price reductions is pretty slim.

Good to know that my InReach will probably be supported going forward in any case. And, Garmin will likely continue to improve these devices.

MTV

mtv wrote:I agree that Garmin is a good, solid company. But, more price competitive???? Now, that's funny right there.... MTV

Sadly, MTV is probably right on. My hopes were up when Garmin bought UPS/Apollo but prices went higher, not lower, iirc.

Garmin will still have to compete with SPOT, so that should help to keep them reasonable. The SPOT offering doesn't have all the features, but there is someplace to retreat to if inReach ge to too pricy.

I spoke to the folks at SPOT last summer at a trade show. They advised me to sit on my wallet until this month, pending a new offering. There have been no rumours yet, but I'm expecting them to match the Delorme products feature for feature in the near future.

Features aren't the real problem with SPOT locators. The basic issue is the satellite system they use....Globalstar. DeLorme uses the Iridium system, a much more robust system. So far, SPOT has got away with using the Globalstar system for most stuff, because if a satellite isn't in view when you send your message, the device keeps sending it till a satellite arrives in view. As the devices are capable of transmitting more data, that may become a serious issue.

Maybe.

MTV

denalipilot wrote:No time to post links, but saw the press release this am.

8GCBC- Shaka brother! Heading out Maui dawn patrol right now.

-DP

How long are you here for??? Hope you see "Jaws" get big!!

Anyone, besides me, using Spidertracks? Haven't had to use it in an emergency situation but tracks well and now bluetooths to iPhone for texting. Seems like another good alternative and works well in Alaska.

mtv wrote:Features aren't the real problem with SPOT locators. The basic issue is the satellite system they use....Globalstar. DeLorme uses the Iridium system, a much more robust system...

MTV

Precisely. And Iridium is currently preparing to launch a replacement/ enhancement constellation, making it even more better. Expected to be live in 2017.

Putzpilot wrote:Anyone, besides me, using Spidertracks? Haven't had to use it in an emergency situation but tracks well and now bluetooths to iPhone for texting. Seems like another good alternative and works well in Alaska.

I do not personally have Spidertracks, but a friend with a wildlife survey business does, and I've seen it in use. It's very impressive to watch his office manager tracking multiple planes across Alaska in real time on a large computer screen, exchanging information updates, etc.
-DP

Putzpilot wrote:Anyone, besides me, using Spidertracks? Haven't had to use it in an emergency situation but tracks well and now bluetooths to iPhone for texting. Seems like another good alternative and works well in Alaska.

Spidertracks is also Iridium based. Good stuff if you need the extra features they add beyond InReach.