Motorola’s $110 Million Deal Points to a 5G Future for Video Security

In a major acquisition round, Motorola Solutions has acquired a leading developer and distributor of end-to-end video security technology. In an all-cash transaction, Motorola acquired Pelco from Transom Capital Group (“Transom”), an operations-focused mid-market private equity firm. This is the second prominent acquisition of 2020 by Motorola targeting the end-to-end video security and analytics market. In June, it had acquired Scottish startup company IndigoVision, to complement global demands for video security and analytics solutions.

Last year, Motorola had acquired Avtec.

Pelco designs, develops, and distributes end-to-end video technology. Its video tech suite includes video security cameras, video management and recording systems and security software. It also provides related services. Motorola Solutions is expected to leverage the new company’s scalable and customizable solutions and commitment to service delivery ensure hardware and software. Together with its existing mobile hardware solutions, Motorola will leverage Pelco to optimally produce high-quality, reliable images and uninterrupted recording, equipping customers of all sizes with real-time information to mitigate risk, increase operational efficiencies and enhance safety.

Transom had acquired Pelco in May 2019. The MPE firm oversaw the smooth transition of Pelco’s move to Motorola. After the acquisition in 2019, Pelco hired a new CEO Kurt Takahashi, former president of global security management platform AMAG Technology. Kurt joined the company effective 1 November. In the last 2 years, Pelco has seen some major upheaval in its operations, even as it changed hands twice. Transcom had acquired the company from a global tech leader- Schneider Electric. And, today, it has again become a part of global tech giant known to invest heavily into innovations and digital transformation solutions.

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At the time of this acquisition, James Oh, Partner at Transom, said, “We are excited to transition Pelco to its next phase of growth under the stewardship of Motorola Solutions.”

James added, “Since our acquisition of the Company in May 2019, we have successfully executed our ARMORSM Value Creation Process to transform the operations and strategic direction of the Company.  Our Operations team played a critical role in building a corporate infrastructure that enabled Pelco to regain its footing as an industry leading video security solutions business.”

By acquiring Pelco, Motorola is eyeing a key spot in the growing mobile-based video security and monitoring systems powered by IoT, Edge and Analytics.

Kurt Takahashi, CEO of Pelco, said, “We are excited to become part of the Motorola Solutions family. This is a great opportunity for Pelco to be part of such an innovative technology company. Pelco looks forward to contributing to Motorola Solutions’ strategy of becoming a global leader in video security and analytics.”

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Russ Roenick, Managing Partner at Transom stated –

“In addition to the stellar work of our Operations team, we could not be more grateful for the hard work, critical thinking, and dedication of Kurt, his executive leadership team, and the employees of Pelco.”

Ross added, “The bedrock of success in any enterprise is its employees, and Pelco’s staff is second-to-none. We are highly confident that Pelco will be a great fit with Motorola Solutions’ existing video security and analytics businesses.”

Last month, Motorola had announced the launch of moto g 5G plus, a smartphone with 6.7″ CinemaVision Full HD+ display, 16 MP camera. It’s the camera that has earned massive attention.

The 48 MP main sensor4 with Quad Pixel technology and 4x light sensitivity competes with DSLR quality hardware and is powered by the advanced Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 765 Mobile Platform featuring the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X52 Modem-RF System. It’s basically the evolution of video technology platforms within the 5G ecosystem. Motorola knows where smartphone, video security and analytics, and intuitive camera technologies are heading in the 5G market.