Roke’s strategic focus on communications within the defence and national security markets is no longer part of Siemens’ core business. Selling Roke to a suitable strategic buyer is considered the best way to ensure a promising future for Roke and its highly regarded engineering workforce.
Roke will substantially augment Chemring’s capabilities in electronics, software and systems engineering and going forward Roke will be core to Chemring’s business strategy. Roke will remain a preferred partner for Siemens Corporate Technology globally in the key areas of cyber security and open innovation.
Commenting on the announcement David Smith, Managing Director of Roke said:
“Joining the Chemring Group will provide the independence and investment required to enable our continued growth. Our focus remains on leading innovation in communications, information systems and electronic sensor technology.”
Siemens continues to be a leading force in R&D globally with 30,800 R&D employees, R&D investments of 3.9 billion euros in the last fiscal year and a patent portfolio comprising over 56,000 patents worldwide.
...............................................ENDS................................................................................
Notes to Editors:
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 167 years ago and now employs 17,000 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.2 billion. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
About Roke Manor Research
Situated outside Southampton, near Romsey, Roke Manor Research operates out of state of the art laboratories next to the original manor house. A team of 400 engineers apply their technical knowledge to solve difficult problems in radar and wireless technologies, electronics and mobile communications, and software engineering. Roke provides technology and services worldwide across diverse markets ranging from finance and transport to telecommunications and security. Renowned for its highly inventive engineers, Roke holds over 350 patents covering a variety of technologies and solutions. For more information visit: www.roke.co.uk
About Chemring
Chemring Group PLC is a global defence business listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of over £1 billion ($1.6 billion). Chemring specialises in the manufacture of energetic material products, providing solutions for highly demanding requirements in the Countermeasures, Counter-IED, Pyrotechnics and Munitions markets. The Group is built on a hundred-year history of innovation and development and now employs over 3500 people in the UK, US, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Australia. For more information, visit www.chemring.co.uk.
For more information, contact:
Kerry Milton
PR Manager
Siemens Plc
Tel: +44 (0)1276 696338
Mob: +44 (0)7808 826389
Email: kerry.milton@siemens.com
