Mine communications leaders Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of MST Global Holdings Pty Ltd,(“MST”), has acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of Nixon Communications (“Nixons”), a network and communications infrastructure provider to the mining, oil and gas, remote construction and Coal Seam Gas sectors.

Australian-based Mine Site Technologies is a leading international mining communications solutions provider specialising in developing, deploying and servicing communications hardware, software and systems for the industry. Its customers include many of the world’s largest mining companies, with MST systems installed in over 500 mines worldwide.

In planning to build the business further from a strongly growing base, MST raised growth capital from Macquarie Capital earlier this year, researching companies and technologies that could contribute to its growth. Building on MST’s underground mining strengths, the Nixons acquisition is a core element of MST’s ongoing development of its surface mining and resources business, substantially expanding its capabilities. Founder of Nixon Communications, John Nixon, will remain with the combined company for at least 18 months as an adviser and consultant. MST will continue to pursue its growth strategy both organically and through acquisitions.

For both companies’ customers, business will continue as usual, while they will increasingly benefit from the combined strengths of the merged companies. MST customers will soon be able to draw on Nixon’s expertise and resource pool in surface mining and pipeline communications.

Retaining its branding, management team and continuing to operate as usual, Nixons will become a key part of MST’s Australian Field Operations, headed by Christian Fischer, General Manager. CEO of MST, Lloyd Zenari said: “Nixons will continue to operate under its current name and retain its current autonomy, entrepreneurial character and flexibility, but now also benefits from the resources and critical mass of the expanded group, able to scale up for our customers without compromising responsiveness and service.”

Zenari said that in making the decision to join MST and Nixons, the cultural match between the two companies was very important. “The fit is excellent in a number of key areas. Both MST and Nixons have a very strong safety focus, with field teams looking out for each others’ safety onsite in remote, often hazardous and difficult locations.

“The two businesses have very little overlap in their product set and customer base. We also share a long commitment to mining and adjacent sectors, developing fit-for-purpose services and products, and a focus on building the capability of our people” said Zenari.

Nixon Communications Founder and Managing Director John Nixon said that Mine Site Technologies and Nixon have complementary businesses, technologies and culture that now combine to create a strong merged company. “Nixons will benefit from MST’s underground mining communications strengths and international market leadership in that sector, while we will contribute our leading experience and expertise in surface mining and pipeline communications to MST’s customers both in Australia and internationally. We look forward to starting to work together to develop business and opportunities.”

“There are significant opportunities for both businesses and for our skilled people to collaborate and for Nixons to now grow our business outside of our core Queensland market, both around Australia and internationally.”

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About Mine Site Technologies

Mine Site Technologies was established in 1989 and has grown to be the global leader in mining communications for both the underground and surface mining industries. We specialise in developing and supplying purpose built technology for underground mine communication and tracking, as well as advanced wireless mesh communication infrastructure for open pit and other surface mines.  Our customers include many of the world’s largest underground mining companies, with MST systems installed in over 500 mines in Australia, the United States, China, Canada, Peru, Sweden, Finland, Chile, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  www.minesite.com.au

About Nixon Communications

Nixons Communications provides communication systems and equipment to major commercial, construction and mining projects, operating primarily across Queensland, as well as in other Australian locations, New  Guinea; and the Solomon Islands. Founded by John Nixon in 1977 as a one-man operation, the Gladstone-headquartered company has grown steadily to now employ 70 people, with branch offices in Rockhampton, Mackay and Blackwater.   www.nixon.com.au/

For further information:

Lloyd Zenari
CEO, MST
Cell:  +1 720 425 8237 / Office:  +1 303 951 0570
Email: l.zenari@minesite.com.au

Christian Fischer
General Manager – Field Operations, MST
Tel: +61 407 515 463
Email: c.fischer@minesite.com.au