Two world-leading marine aerial manufacturers are now under single ownership. Shakespeare Electronic Products Group, a business unit of Jarden Applied Materials, announced the acquisition of Communication Aerials.

Columbia, South Carolina, USA-based Shakespeare is a global leader in the manufacture and marketing of marine and military antennas. The company offers a broad line of antennas, marine antenna mounts, marine connectors, and related accessories sold under the Shakespeare®, Galaxy®, Centennial®, SeaWatch®, and CruiseNet® brands.

Communication Aerials is a leading UK antenna manufacturer based in Westbury, Wiltshire, England serving marine, military and land-based antenna markets. Its broad product range of Communication Aerials™ and V-Tronix™ antennas and accessories have a strong European following for both the sail and power boat market. Shakespeare will retain both the Communication Aerials™ and the V-Tronix™ brand names. Tim Christie will remain as managing director.

"Communication Aerials and its V-Tronix products have an excellent reputation for service and quality in the European market. This acquisition also affords Shakespeare a formal sales presence in Europe, while allowing us to synergistically expand our product portfolio to better serve our global customers," said Jim Bennett, president of Jarden Applied Materials.

"This agreement is the next logical step for Communication Aerials. Communication Aerials' customers are in good hands with Shakespeare's long-term vision and commitment to the global marine market," noted Tim Christie.