2GIG BLOG

04/2013 Linear Closes on Acquisition of 2GIG, Leading Provider of Home Automation and Home Security

matthew.bail@niceforyou.com | April 1, 2013
matthew.bail@niceforyou.com
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Carlsbad, CA – April 1, 2013 – Linear, LLC a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTK), has closed on its acquisition of 2GIG Technologies, which will become part of the security and control group within Linear.  The acquisition of 2GIG was announced by Nice in February 2013.

With the acquisition, Linear’s dealers and OEM partners gain access to 2GIG’s Go!Control platform, the first widely adopted integrated security and automation system that includes a system CPU, touchscreen interface, Z-Wave radio for automation, cellular radio for communications with a central station, and narrow-band RF for communicating with security sensors. 2GIG also provides a wide range of wireless peripherals including thermostats, panic buttons, keyfobs, glass break detectors and wireless carbon monoxide detectors, all of which can be integrated into a home automation system that can be remotely monitored, managed and controlled via the Internet.

“Acquiring 2GIG positions Linear as one of the world’s top-tier hardware developers and manufacturers in the rapidly growing residential security and home automation markets,” said Michael O’Neal, president of Linear. “We’re especially excited about the synergy between the brands since 2GIG offers products that can be leveraged by Linear and its dealers to grow their businesses. At the same time, Linear offers products that can expand and enhance the 2GIG home automation platform, potentially opening doors to new market opportunities.”

“Adding 2GIG’s technologies and products to the Linear portfolio strengthens our product pillars of security and control, access and integration, and health and wellness,” said Duane Paulson, senior vice president of product and market development for Linear. “Our dealers and channel partners now have more choices.”

“This is an absolute perfect fit for 2GIG,” Lance Dean, 2GIG co-founder told SSN in an email interview. “We’ve known Nortek/Linear from the very beginning. They’ve been an instrumental part of our success.”

As operations are folded together, 2GIG will remain an iconic brand under Linear, benefitting from Nice and Linear resources, which include manufacturing infrastructure and OEM partner connections across broad segments.

Linear is a leading manufacturer of security and access control products, personal emergency response systems (PERS), garage door openers and wireless devices.  2GIG dealers will have additional opportunities in these segments and from Linear’s suite of interactive service offerings.

Linear co-developed and has manufactured the Go!Control platform for 2GIG since it was formed in 2007. 2GIG is a major supplier to Vivint, one of the largest home automation services companies in North America. The acquisition includes a five-year supply agreement with Vivint, making the company an important customer for Linear. The deal was finalized with Nice purchasing all the outstanding stock of 2GIG for approximately $135 million on a cash- and debt-free basis.

For more information about Linear LLC, please visit www.linearcorp.com or call 1-800-421-1587. Linear can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Linear LLC
For over 50 years, Linear LLC has been an innovator in the security market.  Linear’s legacy includes the early application of passive infrared detection and radio frequency (RF) transmission, technologies that revolutionized the wireless security and access control industries. Today, Linear delivers class-leading wired and wireless products into a variety of markets serving the access control, security and home technology needs of its customers. Linear continues to expand its product and engineering prowess, leveraging the knowledge gained from strategic acquisitions and custom product development which will help lead the company into the next 50 years. To learn more, visit www.linearcorp.com.

Linear LLC is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTK), a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Please visit www.nortekinc.com for more information.

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