Adds some new technologies to its marine navigation portfolio

Feb 14, 2012 23:21 GMT  ·  By

While working on new marine cameras, Garmin has also been negotiating new deals, one of which involves the full acquisition of a certain maker of sonar technology.

Right to the point, Garmin has announced the acquisition of Interphase Technologies Inc., a privately-held phased array scanning sonar technology maker.

The latter has been developing and manufacturing phased array scanning sonars for cruisers, sailors, fishermen, search-and-rescue teams and mainstream boaters since 1986.

The transaction will be finalized in about a month, after which Interphase will carry on as Garmin Santa Cruz, Inc., a California-based, indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin Ltd.

“Interphase’s technology is a great complement to Garmin’s growing marine business,” said Cliff Pemble, president and COO of Garmin.

“Like Garmin, Interphase shares our passion for innovation and support, and we feel that this transaction further solidifies our commitment to the marine market. By adding Interphase’s talents and technologies to the Garmin family, we believe we can leverage our areas of expertise into products that can greatly enhance a boater’s experience on the water.”

Garmin possesses an extensive technological portfolio of its own, though it has more to offer in terms of satellite navigation than underwater scanning equipment.

Its GPSMAP 5000 and 7000 series are described in the press release as the “only true-100% touchscreen chartplotters available on the market today.”

With Interphase under its wing, “one of the only manufacturers to offer forward-looking sonar technology”, it can assist with safely detecting and navigating through uncharted rocks, shoals, reefs and sandbars.

“We are excited to join forces with Garmin, who we’ve always respected as a leading marine electronics supplier, and we look forward to integrating our technology into the company’s core marine product lines,” said Charles Hicks, CEO and board chairman of Interphase.

“This move will further our ability to build world-leading sonar technology for all of our customers.”