Averna Press Release - 4/16/2009

Averna Acquires U.S. Competitor to Strengthen Test Solutions
Offer for Communications OEMs

Montreal, QC, April 16, 2009 ─ Global test engineering company Averna today announced that it has acquired U.S.-based DAQTron Inc., a successful, privately-owned leader in the design and implementation of test systems for communications OEMs. This move strengthens Averna’s broadband product portfolio, brings greater mobile video functionality to the company’s URT™ (Universal Receiver Tester)—a platform supporting all common radio, video, and navigation signals—and gives Averna a new U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

At the core of DAQTron’s intellectual property are the industry’s first DOCSIS 3.0 RF protocol analyzer, the Mercury and Jupiter manufacturing and design verification test systems, and the Trident software platform suite for simulating and testing over-air and terrestrial digital signals for a wide array of device types, including any device communicating via cable. In addition to the Atlanta headquarters, the acquisition gives Averna a new office in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

“We believe that the convergence of radio, video, and navigation content into mobile devices will continue to fuel demand for multifunctional test instruments and systems,” said Pascal Pilon, president and CEO of Averna. “Acquiring a formidable competitor such as DAQTron, a recognized world frontrunner in broadband test systems, concentrates our strengths and positions Averna to lead the trend towards computer-based instrumentation.”

“We are pleased to join such a dynamic company, and are convinced that our product offering is a perfect fit,” said DAQTron Inc. founder and ex-president Robert Sandage, who will stay on in a senior executive position. “Averna’s worldwide Channel Sales Partner network will give our technology even better distribution, and I am confident that our clients will benefit greatly from the richness that our combined strengths bring to all aspects of RF and broadband test.”

Averna has purchased 100% of the shares of DAQTron Inc. In association with this transaction, la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, one of the largest institutional fund managers in North America, has invested in Averna to facilitate the acquisition. “The Caisse is proud to help a leading company such as Averna to accomplish its expansion projects,” said Normand Provost, executive vice president, private equity, at la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. “This investment corresponds to our partner strategy of supporting Quebec-based companies that offer good prospects and that require financing to pursue their growth.”

Fondaction CSN, who has partnered with Averna since 2006, is also participating in this round of financing. “Averna has seen remarkable growth,” said Régent Watier, head of investment at Fondaction CSN. “This acquisition confirms Averna’s position as a leader in the expanding test engineering field. Averna is playing its part in the development and proliferation of expertise in the Quebec technology sector, as well as creating and maintaining quality jobs. Fondaction is proud to be associated with Averna in this new endeavour.”

About DAQTron

DAQTron, Inc. is widely recognized as the worldwide leader in the design and implementation of test systems for cable modems, VoIP modems, and set-top boxes with systems that have tested over 35 million of such products. Along with DOCSIS expertise, DAQTron also specializes in FPGA, signal processing, and RF design. Prior to the acquisition, DAQTron was a Select Alliance Partner of National Instruments. Founded in 1994, DAQTron was privately held and had offices in Atlanta, GA, Annapolis Junction, MD, and Austin, TX.
www.daqtron.com

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Averna Press Release - 4/16/2009

Averna Acquires U.S. Competitor to Strengthen Test SolutionsOffer for Communications OEMs

Averna Acquires U.S. Competitor to Strengthen Test Solutions
Offer for Communications OEMs