LONDON, May 25 -- Marconi, a provider of advanced communications solutions, announced that its Wireless Division has purchased Northwood Technologies Inc., a Canadian wireless telecom software company. The transaction values Northwood at approximately Cdn$42 million (19 million pounds sterling). Northwood develops, markets and supports deciBel Planner, a line of advanced Wintel-based software products that are used to design wireless telecom networks.
    "This acquisition further strengthens Marconi's wireless network planning product line that already includes the Planet network planning application," said Geoff Doy, CEO of Marconi Wireless. "With a new Windows-based product and a more comprehensive portfolio, we will be better positioned to help our customers address the voice and data service requirements of the emerging 2.5 and 3G networks."
    Marconi has also made plans to establish a new Strategic Business Unit (SBU) for wireless network planning headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Marconi's intent is that customers will receive first to market delivery of next-generation wireless software solutions for mobile and broadband markets, combined with world-class global support.