Berliner becomes third largest US wireless contractor with acquisition of Radian
April 16, 2006 - Rich Berliner, CEO of Berliner Communications of Elmwood Park, NJ, announced today that his company has acquired the U.S. wireless infrastructure construction and installation business of Radian Communication Services, Inc. Radian has operations in six western states, including key locations in Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas. Radian, a Canadian based company, will continue its operations in Canada and its Rohn Tower division in the U.S.

Berliner is ranked third below Andrew Systems, Inc. and WesTower Communications, Inc. which have approximately 350 employees each.

Breakthrough deal for BCI
"This is a breakthrough deal for us, and it fits into our strategic growth plan on many levels," said Berliner. "Our success is determined by the quality of our people and their enthusiasm for our business and our customers. In this regard, our deal today adds 115 industry professionals that share our enthusiasm. In addition to a great team, Radian's locations fit perfectly with our existing offices to complete our nationwide footprint and enhance our turnkey offerings. Finally, this cements our role as a national, full service, self performing vendor to our customers."

Rumors had been circulating for months that BCI had been ready to purchase Radian. At the CTIA show in Orlando last March, Berliner told WirelessEstimator.com that his firm had been talking to major installation services companies, but he could not acknowledge any specific companies.

The purchase price for the assets and business included approximately $6.9 million for accounts receivable, $1.0 million for work in process and $1.0 million for vehicles, furniture and equipment, and inventory. BCI also assumed approximately $3.2 million in liabilities associated with accounts payable and accruals. BCI and Radian will continue to work together for a short period while customers transition to BCI. BCI will operate its new western division as BCI Communications West, under the continued leadership of Bill D'Agostino. Formerly Vice President, U.S. Operations for Radian, D'Agostino brings over 25 years of industry experience to BCI, and will assume the role of Vice President, BCI Communications West. 

D'Agostino had previously founded Top Tier Telecom in November of 2003. Prior to starting Top Tier, Bill was Vice President at Somera Communications, a publicly traded equipment and service provider. His resume includes experience in domestic and international start ups, as well as, executive positions in wireless communications, services and equipment re-sale companies. Bill has also held senior management positions at Sprint, Primeco Personal Communications, Airtouch International, and Pacific Bell. At Sprint, D'Agostino was responsible for strategic planning, business development, and operations of Sprint Sites USA. He also founded Mericom Corporation in Lake Forest, CA in 2001.

In February, BCI purchased Digitcom, a Texas company, for $3,750,000 plus an additional $1,000,000 payment to its shareholders.