JVCKENWOOD Completes Acquisition of ESChat

JVCKENWOOD Corporation has completed its acquisition of San Luis Aviation, Inc., d/b/a ESChat, following the finalisation of all required regulatory approvals on July 2, 2026. The California-based broadband Push-to-Talk (PTT) provider, first announced as an acquisition target on October 8, 2025, now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD.

The move forms part of JVCKENWOOD's newly announced Medium-Term Management Plan, VISION 2030, under which the company is positioning its hybrid domain — combining narrowband LMR with broadband networks including 4G/5G, satellite and Wi-Fi — as a key growth area alongside its core narrowband Communications Systems Business. ESChat's platform, recognised for secure PTT communication, multimedia messaging and Common Operating Picture capabilities across agencies, brings FedRAMP, GovRAMP and TX-RAMP certifications, along with FirstNet Certified™ status, to JVCKENWOOD's portfolio.

The acquisition follows the March 2026 launch of Viking Connect, a JVCKENWOOD solution built on ESChat technology and integrated into the company's Viking series of professional radios for the North American market, offering seamless switching between LMR and broadband networks.

JVCKENWOOD stated that the acquisition's financial impact has already been incorporated into its consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027, announced on May 1, 2026. The company said it will continue expanding its hybrid domain offering, with a focus on North America, as part of its broader commitment to safe and secure communications infrastructure.