JVCKENWOOD Corporation (“JVCKENWOOD”) has, as announced on October 8, 2025, completed all required procedures, including obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities, by July 2, 2026 (July 1, local time), and acquired 100% of the shares in San Luis Aviation, Inc. d/b/a ESChat (“ESChat”), making it a consolidated subsidiary. ESChat is a California-based company engaged in the broadband Push-to-Talk (PTT) business in North America.

Background and purpose of the share acquisition

As part of the business portfolio optimization outlined in our new Medium-Term Management Plan “VISION 2030” (announced on May 1, 2026), we have designated the narrowband domain of our Communications Systems Business – which is the core of our Safety & Security Sector - as a growth driving business, and the hybrid domain as an expected and challenging areas. By making full-scale entry into the hybrid domain, we will accelerate medium-term to long-term growth across the entire Communications Systems Business. The hybrid domain leverages both narrowband LMR (Land Mobile Radio) and broadband networks (4G/5G, satellite, and Wi-Fi), expand communication coverage and enhance communication services in remote and geographically challenging areas. It also centers on wireless communication solutions that add capabilities such as multi-media messaging and location tracking and mapping. These solutions are expected to improve convenience and reliability in the field. As a result, the hybrid domain is expected to see continued market growth across government, public safety, business, and industrial sectors. 

Overview of ESChat and collaboration with JVCKENWOOD

The core focus of ESChat is Communication, Collaboration and Interoperability. This is achieved by enabling secure PTT communication across wide-area networks, multimedia messaging, and a Common Operating Picture (COP) within and between agencies for mutual-aid or tactical purposes. ‘ESChat for Government’ is a hardened version of the ESChat platform, with an added emphasis on cybersecurity and interoperability, and is FedRAMP Certified, GovRAMP™ Authorized, and TX-RAMP Certified. These certifications focus on cybersecurity, and help reduce the verification burden on government agencies by allowing them to leverage existing assessment results, enabling faster and more efficient deployment of the solution. In addition, it is FirstNet Certified™ solution and is also approved by the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).  

Ahead of this acquisition, in March 2026, JVCKENWOOD launched Viking Connect, a powerful new solution powered by ESChat technology that has been integrated into our Viking series of professional wireless radios offered in the North American market. Viking Connect offers automatic switching between LMR and broadband networks based on signal conditions, user-controlled prioritization of LMR or broadband networks, and administrator-configured RF transition levels, providing a seamless and reliable PTT communication environment between field operations and command centers. 

Future developments 

Through the acquisition of ESChat, JVCKENWOOD will continue to integrate ESChat into its product and service portfolio, expands its lineup, and further broadens business opportunities through full-scale entry into the hybrid domain, focusing on North America. Going forward, the Group will continue to contribute to building a safe and secure society by providing stable communications through communications systems, while also enhancing our corporate value. 

Impact on financial performance

The impact of this acquisition on JVCKENWOOD’s financial performance has already been factored into the consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027, which was announced on May 1, 2026.