Deal Unites Midwest Leaders in the Sale and Service of Public Safety, In-Building Wireless and Two-Way Radio Systems
MADISON, Wis. (February 1, 2021)—Madison, Wisconsin-based General Communications, Inc.—one of the leading providers of public safety systems, in-building wireless systems, two-way radios and vehicle upfitting in the Midwest—acquired Radicom, Inc. on February 1, 2021. The McHenry, Illinois-based company has provided radio solutions and dispatch systems for nearly 60 years.
The transaction will provide opportunities for the combined entity’s employees and customers, which include police, fire and public safety departments; cities and counties; and businesses, healthcare facilities and school districts. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Employees of Radicom immediately become part of the General Communications family; however, Radicom will continue to operate under the Radicom name for the foreseeable future. No major changes are anticipated in how customers are served by either entity.
Benefits Employees and Customers
According to Greg Vlack, General Communications owner and CEO, the two companies enjoy similar “people-first” cultures and complement one another in services and sales territories.
“We have been friendly competitors for many years and have great respect for Radicom and its people,” Vlack explains. “There is a great culture fit here and our employees will learn from one another. Plus, customers will benefit from added technical depth, service capability, and buying power. In this case, one plus one definitely equals three.”
Radicom owner and CEO Bob Lueders concurs. “When I decided it was time to retire I reached out to Greg and Jenni Vlack because I had long been associated with General Communications and know they will be right for us. They are simply good people who treat people right,” he says. “I also know the combined entity will provide greater opportunity for employees and customers alike. This is such a specialized business that you have to find synergies. And this hits the mark.”
About General Communications and Radicom
Founded in 1968, General Communications, Inc. is one of Wisconsin’s largest leaders in public safety systems, two-way radios and vehicle upfitting. It is family owned and operated, with more than 60 employees and locations in Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire. The company became a General Electric service center in 1971 and continues a vital relationship with L3 Harris, GE’s radio business successor.
General Communications is fully versed in the newest advances in wireless technology, including two-way radios, in-building wireless systems and in-car video. From sales and rentals to service, installation and repairs, General Communications strives to provide the highest level of customer service.
Radicom, Inc. was founded in 1963 and moved to its current McHenry, Illinois headquarters in 1969. The company operated as a General Electric service location and continues a vital relationship with GE’s radio business successor, L3 Harris. Radicom also represents superior radio technology, dispatch systems, and 9-1-1 Call-Taking products manufactured by Kenwood, Tait, ICOM, Zetron, Solacom, and Bosch Telex.