Capestone, a mobile networking platform based in Leiden, Netherlands, and a division of Kaysville-based wireless communications company OptConnect, has acquired Next Era, a France-based, specialized niche distributor of 4G, 5G and mobile networks in Europe. Capestone adds more than 250 channel partners and customers in France, Southern Europe, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Middle East, the company said.
In addition to expanding its sales channel, Capestone will partner with specialists in new growth verticals, such as 5G private networks, 5G push-to-talk, 5G critical communications and 5G communication solutions for airports, according to the acquisition announcement.
“This acquisition demonstrates OptConnect’s continued commitment to expanding our global footprint and delivering exceptional IoT and 5G solutions to our customers,” said Chris Baird, president and CEO of OptConnect. “By uniting the experience of Capestone and Next Era, we are not only strengthening our presence in EMEA but also creating an opportunity to lead in the IoT and 5G industries worldwide.”
“We are thrilled to welcome our new partners and customers across France, Southern Europe, DACH, and the Middle East into the Capestone family,” said Jos Ouwerkerk, managing director of Capestone. “By combining Capestone’s comprehensive IoT and 5G solutions with the specialized experience of Next Era, we’re unlocking even greater possibilities for innovation and growth across the EMEA region.”
Next Era, founded in 2008, is headquartered in Plassay, France, and focuses on supporting mission-critical and business-critical partners and customers with best-in-class devices, accessories and solutions for the public safety, industrial, security, utility, transport and services segments, according to Ouwerkerk.
“Joining Capestone is an exciting new chapter for us and for our partners,” said Xavier Tual, general manager of Next Era. “Our customers now have access to a bigger organization with a broad suite of IoT and 5G hardware, connectivity and value-added services, creating exceptional solutions for their unique needs. We look forward to leveraging Capestone’s scale and experience to bring even greater value to our partners and clients across the 5G landscape.”
