Nation’s largest Motorola Solutions service provider establishes first presence in Virginia

HAMPTON, Va.– (Sept. 6, 2018) – WJ Partners, a private investment firm focused on growing lower-middle market companies, today announced the add-on acquisition of Gately Communication Co. to its existing portfolio company Mobile Communications America (MCA), a leading provider of communications solutions and services for mission critical, commercial and industrial markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

An authorized Motorola Service Center since 1952 and one of the largest Motorola partners in Virginia, Gately provides wireless and two-way radio communications solutions to the federal government, military, local governments, education, healthcare and manufacturing industries of the Hampton Roads region along Virginia’s southeastern coast, as well as eastern North Carolina.

As part of Gately’s extensive list of products and services, it has a strong relationship with Stalker to sell their branded law enforcement products including dash-mounted and hand-held radar, speed and message trailers, and in-car video.

Said MCA’s Vince Foody: “Gately provides MCA its first physical presence in the Virginia market with locations in Hampton and Chesapeake, which is Virginia’s second-largest metropolitan area and a major hub for industrial, military and government manufacturing and support. In addition, Gately’s ability to sell Stalker products is a value-add for MCA as we’ll be able to better service our state and local government customers with a full range of new public safety products.”

“Gately was also the first Motorola manufacturer’s representative for the federal government, so this acquisition will expand MCA’s capabilities in this area as well,” said Mark Blackman of MCA. “As the nation’s largest Motorola Solutions service provider, we are extremely selective in the companies we choose to acquire. Gately’s scalable business operations and diversified client base, including both government and private-sector customers, provide MCA with significant growth opportunities.”

WJ Partners acquired MCA in 2013 and has now completed 14 add-on acquisitions to broaden the company’s geographic reach and service offerings. The acquisition of Gately is the fifth MCA add-on acquisition in the past 15 months including Myrtle Beach Communications of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Amerizon Wireless of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Communications Specialists Inc. of Columbia, South Carolina; and Communications & Electronics Inc., which has locations in Dalton, Georgia, as well as Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee. MCA now has 36 locations across seven states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

First Tennessee Bank provided the debt capital for WJ Partners to complete the acquisition.

ABOUT WJ PARTNERS

Founded in 2008, WJ Partners is a private investment firm focused on building lower-middle market companies in the consumer, specialty finance, and industrial and business services sectors. WJ Partners takes a long-term approach to investing due its permanent capital source. The firm’s mission is to create value by providing financial, strategic and management resources to capture growth opportunities and operational efficiencies. WJ Partners’ team has an extensive track record investing in and building multi-unit companies over the past 30 years, including such organizations as Pure Barre, Blockbuster Video, Extended Stay America and Eggs Up Grill.

ABOUT MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AMERICA

Mobile Communications America (MCA) is the leading provider of lifecycle communication solutions that enhance safety, security, and operating efficiency. MCA designs, deploys, and manages the complete communication solutions lifecycle for government agencies, public safety organizations, first responders, military, public services, utilities and manufacturers.

ABOUT GATELY COMMUNICATION

Gately Communication Co. is a full-service provider of two-way communications system design, integration, programming, optimization, customer training, service, repair, customized packaging and preventative maintenance programs. Gately has been successful in providing services to a diverse customer base that includes military, federal/local/state governments, education, healthcare, and many others.