Ideal Industries Inc., Sycamore, Ill., has expanded its DataComm business by acquiring the Trend Test Equipment Division of Telemetrix Plc.

The Trend Test business, with headquarters in High Wycombe, United Kingdom, is a leader of hand-held metering equipment in ATM, xDSL, SDH/Sonet, Gigabit Ethernet and IP testing. The new line will become part of Ideal Industries’ DataComm division.

“The acquisition of Trend, along with the significant growth in our DataComm and electrical test equipment businesses, makes Ideal one of the largest test products suppliers serving the electrical and datacomm markets,” said Robert N. Lane, chief executive officer, Ideal Industries. “Additionally, it adds to our existing development capabilities and provides products with a broader reach into new distribution channels, including those outside North America.”

According to Lane, the Trend Test acquisition provides additional test products strengthening Ideal’s current line of data/voice communications testers and certifiers for copper and fiber optic LAN/WAN installations.

Trend maintains product development, customer support and manufacturing facilities in England and Spain. The company also has a strong sales presence in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France and India.

Trend had been strongest with large telecommunications companies throughout Europe. Ideal is hoping to offer the line to telecom companies here in North America.

“This acquisition further enhances our presence in our existing markets and with existing customers. It also dovetails nicely with our recent acquisitions that have a European and Asian presence,” said David W. Juday, chairman of the board, Ideal Industries.