Mission Critical Partners (MCP), a State College, Pennsylvania-based public safety consulting firm, has acquired Athena Advanced Networks of Medford, Oregon. Financial terms were not disclosed.
MCP specializes in networks and Next Generation 911, radio and wireless broadband, facilities, and operations. The deal will enhance MCP’s IT and managed services offering, the company said. It will also bolster the firm’s service portfolio and physical presence in certain key markets.
Athena, founded in 2009, has a presence in over 25 states and works with more than 100 public safety agencies. The team has a history of managing mission-critical systems and networks, which MCP says will help its clients gain greater control of their IT infrastructure and networks. It will also enhance MCP’s expertise in maintaining and supporting computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems), along with mobile applications, the firms say.
Athena will be integrated into MCP’s existing structure, according to Bruce Kelling, Athena chairman. “We are excited about joining the MCP team in order to continue to support our public safety clients and expand our technology programs to serve a broader client base,” he said. With the addition of Athena’s team, MCP’s headcount is now 115 people.
The deal comes at a key time for law enforcement agencies. In 2013, more than half of such agencies said they had or were considering implementing cloud-based solutions within the next two years, according to a survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
The combined organization will offer a unique approach to solving this problem, according to Mike Lyons, Athena chief executive officer. “In collaboration with agencies around the country and our technology partners, MCP will make a positive impact on the way technology and IT technical services are leveraged in support of public safety and mission-critical communications for years to come,” he said.
