Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has officially completed its acquisition of Silvus Technologies Holdings Inc. ("Silvus"), a leading provider of mission-critical mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET) based in Los Angeles, California. This move marks a significant expansion of Motorola's capabilities into a rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar market for drones and unmanned systems.
Silvus' cutting-edge MANET technology is designed to support frontline operations in some of the world’s most challenging and contested environments. This technology ensures secure, high-quality data, video, and voice communications without relying on fixed infrastructure. The system's devices mesh together to create large, scalable, and self-healing networks, adapting seamlessly to continuous mobility. These networks are robust enough to support a wide range of bandwidth-heavy technologies, such as video feeds, sensors, and drones, all while maintaining a secure and reliable connection over vast distances.
Greg Brown, Chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, "Silvus' advanced solutions for drones and unmanned systems have earned the trust of defense agencies around the world. These capabilities are especially critical for applications such as border security and public safety. They complement our existing land mobile radio and video technologies, and we are excited to offer these advanced solutions to customers across the globe."
The role of autonomous technologies—ranging from drones to robotic systems—is becoming increasingly important in modern defense strategies. These technologies provide an invaluable layer of safety, allowing operators to control unmanned systems from a safe distance and reduce the risk of exposure to potential threats. Silvus’ technology enables human operators to control these systems with minimal latency, helping military personnel make informed decisions and, ultimately, save lives in high-risk situations.
Silvus’ customer base spans a broad spectrum, from defense agencies and autonomous system manufacturers to intelligence communities, law enforcement, and enterprises worldwide. With its global reach and long-standing relationships with government and public safety sectors, Motorola Solutions is poised to expand Silvus' offerings to even more customers, extending its innovative solutions to a wider array of industries.
Erik Fagan, Partner and Head of Industrial Technology at TJC, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of Silvus’ technology: "Working with Babak and the Silvus team, we’ve witnessed firsthand the disruptive nature of their communications solutions. Their exceptional work fills a critical need, and we’re excited to see them continue their journey with Motorola Solutions, a global leader in safety and security."
Babak Daneshrad, PhD, CEO of Silvus Technologies, also expressed his optimism about the future: "We’ve always respected Motorola Solutions’ leadership in the industry. Both our companies share a commitment to innovation that enhances safety and security. By combining our engineering expertise, we can create even more powerful solutions for customers worldwide."
In terms of the acquisition, Motorola Solutions agreed to an upfront consideration of $4.4 billion, which includes approximately $4.38 billion in cash and $20 million in restricted stock to certain employee equity holders. Additionally, the purchase agreement includes a potential earnout of up to $600 million based on Silvus’ business performance over the next two years.
Motorola Solutions will discuss the acquisition and its implications during its quarterly financial analysts’ conference call on August 7, 2025. The call will be available for live streaming and a replay at www.motorolasolutions.com/investors.