Middle Market Investment Banking Firm FOCUS LLC Represents Communications Systems, Inc. in Acquisition of Patapsco Designs Limited of the UK. Acquisition Highlights the Importance of Technologies that Facilitate the Move to Next Generation Networks.

By Kahla CooperPublished On: August 2, 2011

Washington DC (August 2, 2011) – FOCUS LLC, a national middle market investment banking firm providing merger, acquisition, divestiture and corporate finance services, announced today that Communications Systems, Inc. (CSI) has acquired Patapsco Designs Limited (Patapsco). Patapsco is now part of CSI’s Transition Networks business unit. FOCUS represented CSI in the transaction. The acquisition will bolster CSI’s business by adding TDM over IP, also known as pseudowire or Circuit Emulation Services (CESoIP), to Transition Networks’ product portfolio and capabilities. In addition, Patapsco brings significant expertise in ISDN technology, including products for the ISDN over IP market.

CSI provides physical connectivity infrastructure and services for global deployments of broadband networks. CSI focuses on innovative, cost effective solutions that provide customers the ability to deliver, manage and optimize their broadband services and architecture. CSI’s subsidiary, Transition Networks, provides customers with products that deliver and manage network traffic reliably over fiber using multiple protocols and interfaces.

Established in 1989 and based in the U.K., Patapsco Designs Limited has developed a range of highly-featured and manageable products for enterprise, system integrators, carriers and governmental organizations. Patapsco focuses on carrier grade TDM, ISDN and IP/Ethernet technologies and specializes in synchronization and quality of service.

William G. Schultz, President and CEO of Communications Systems, Inc. said, “With the addition of Patapsco’s product line, we are able to expand the range of Transition Networks’ product offerings for the service provider market. This is an important acquisition for CSI and FOCUS was instrumental in orchestrating a successful transaction. Their knowledge and understanding of the Telecommunications industry and the M&A process was essential to identifying Patapsco as a potential strategic partner and effecting a successful transaction.”

Rich Pierce, Managing Director at FOCUS LLC, added, “My colleague Eric Oganesoff and I are delighted to see the addition of Patapsco’s people and products to the CSI team. The acquisition enhances Transition Networks’ ability to help customers manage the migration from legacy TDM and ISDN technologies to next generation IP and Ethernet packet networks.”

About FOCUS LLC

FOCUS LLC provides a range of middle market investment banking services with an emphasis on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and corporate finance. FOCUS is a national firm serving clients from offices in major cities across the United States. FOCUS specializes in business units with transactions or revenues in the $5-300 million range, serving entrepreneurs, corporate owners and various types of investors across a broad range of industries, throughout the U.S. and worldwide. FOCUS bankers are seasoned operating and financial executives with extensive transaction experience. Securities transactions conducted by FOCUS Securities LLC, an affiliated company, registered Broker Dealer member FINRA/SIPC. For more information on FOCUS, visit www.focusbankers.com.

Kahla Cooper is the Director of Marketing at FOCUS. In this role, Ms. Cooper designs and implements the overall marketing strategy. Ms. Cooper works with each industry team leader to define programs in order to promote and brand FOCUS’ suite of capabilities.