Montreal, Canada, May 19, 2026--Marconi Technologies today officially launched as a standalone, Canadian majority-owned, and veteran-run dual-use communications technology company, unveiling its brand before an audience of approximately 300 employees, senior government officials, industry partners, and international allies during a press conference held at its Montreal headquarters. This announcement marks the culmination of a transaction in which a Canadian investor group led by Louis Vachon, former CEO of National Bank, acquired the Tactical Communications division of Ultra I&C from Cobham Ultra.
The new brand signals the revival of one of the most storied names in the history of communications technology. The Marconi name pays tribute to a legacy that began in 1903, when Marconi established his company in Canada at the direct invitation of Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, who wished for Canada to become a leader in communications technologies. The acquired division is a descendant of the Canadian Marconi Corporation.
"Today we celebrate both our heritage and our future – a globally-recognized Canadian icon is reborn," said Alain Cohen, CEO of Marconi Technologies. "We are building something that's unique in Allied defense industrial bases. We pride ourselves in our people's expertise and ingenuity, but also in our method of operating; every new product development is run as a mission to address real-world problems – our people are exceptional at developing in contact."
Canadian owned, built for Allies
Headquartered in Montreal and operating across the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allied markets, Marconi Technologies is already one of Canada's leading exporters of defense technology. Today's launch serves as a springboard to CANSEC, Canada's leading defense and security conference, in Ottawa on May 27-28, where Marconi Technologies will debut as a fully independent Canadian defense prime.
"Marconi Technologies is exactly the kind of company Canada needs right now," said Louis Vachon, CM, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. "Canadian-owned, internationally proven, and built to serve our allies – this is how Canada takes its rightful place as a leader in sovereign defense technology."
"We're going to build a company that is as deeply rooted in this country as it is outward-looking," said Faith Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer and Canadian Market President. "Marconi Technologies represents the finest of what Canada has to offer in the high-tech defense sector and will continue to expand its capabilities to meet the needs of the warfighter."
