Terion, Inc. Completes Wireless Communication System
11 March 1999
Terion, Inc. Completes Wireless Communication System Backed by Transportation Industry PartnersMELBOURNE, Fla., March 10 -- Terion, Inc. announced that Penske Capital Partners and a group of other transportation industry companies recently made a substantial cash investment in Terion, becoming equity partners. Terion, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1994 as "Flash Comm, Inc.", with a mission to become a leading provider of mobile information solutions using proprietary two way wireless communications. The assets of the company include patents and other intellectual property originally developed by Harris Corporation for the U.S. Government. Terion has adapted the technology to commercial application, and is currently focusing its product development and business strategy toward meeting the needs of transportation customers. In addition to Penske Capital Partners, other new investors include Delphi Automotive Systems, Detroit Diesel Corporation, KteCom, LLC, a company controlled by Knight Transportation, and Madison Venture Corporation of Vancouver, Canada. The Madison Venture Corporation will participate in development of the Canadian market. These companies join Harris Venture First Associates of Melbourne as strategic equity partners. In addition to gaining financial and management strength from the new investors, Terion will use the distribution and service networks of companies affiliated with Penske Capital Partners, such as Penske Truck Leasing and Detroit Diesel Corporation. Terion's unique messaging system uses proprietary digital high frequency ("DHF") signal processing, which is capable of transmitting reliably to receiving stations hundreds of miles apart. The system uses a Global Positioning System ("GPS") for precise location/tracking information. Terry L. Scott, Terion, Inc. Chairman, stated "Our land-based network provides full geographic coverage at a much lower cost than expensive satellite communications technology. The transportation industry will finally have a more affordable communications alternative that delivers both great quality and excellent service." Knight Transportation is a regional truckload carrier and is a leader in efficiency and operations management, posting operating ratios among the best in the trucking industry. Kevin Knight, Chief Executive Officer, stated "It is clear to me that Terion has outstanding technology and the right business vision. We believe Terion's approach has the best fit for our strategy and business goals." Penske Capital Partners, L.L.C. is an organization formed to undertake acquisitions in the transportation industry. Participating through Penske Capital Partners in this investment are Penske Corporation, Chase Capital Partners, and Aon Corporation. Terion, Inc., headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, currently serves evaluation customers in the southeastern United States, and plans to begin its nationwide mobile messaging commercial launch in 1999.