Rockwell Collins has purchased International Communications Group, the Newport News, Va.-based Iridium voice and data communications systems and services provider. According to Rockwell Collins, it will integrate ICG’s products and services into its Commercial Systems portfolio. Rockwell Collins bought ICG for an initial purchase price of $50 million, and it may pay another $14 million of post-closing consideration. ICG, which employs about 100 people, will remain at the Newport News location.

Rockwell Collins has developed its own satcom systems and could presumably design Iridium transceivers. “We certainly have the skills and capabilities,” said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems, “but ICG's current programs and positions accelerate our satcom maturity and complement our overall connectivity and information-management strategies.”

ICG had also contracted to build an Iridium satcom for Honeywell, branded by Honeywell, and that relationship will not change, he added. “We have several pre-existing relationships, including Honeywell, that we will continue.”

ICG CEO Scott Trainum said, “This is a proud moment for the ICG team to be included in the [Rockwell Collins] family.”