The McLean Group · Transaction Announcement
The McLean Group Advises ESChat on Its Acquisition by JVCKENWOOD Corporation
TYSONS, VA · JULY 13, 2026
TYSONS, Va., July 13, 2026 — JVCKENWOOD Corporation has completed its acquisition of 100% of the shares of San Luis Aviation, Inc. d/b/a ESChat, a California-based provider of secure broadband Push-to-Talk (PTT) communications. The McLean Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to ESChat on the transaction, which was announced October 8, 2025 and closed July 2, 2026 following clearance by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). ESChat is now a wholly owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD. Terms were not disclosed.
ESChat delivers secure broadband PTT communications over 4G, 5G, satellite, and Wi-Fi networks to public safety and government customers, including U.S. federal, state, and local agencies. With more than 700,000 users worldwide, ESChat holds a leading share of the global broadband PTT market and is the only broadband PTT service to have achieved FedRAMP Authorization, the cloud security designation required for use by U.S. federal agencies. The platform interoperates with land mobile radio (LMR) systems such as P25 and DMR, enabling seamless communication across radio and wireless broadband networks.
For JVCKENWOOD, the acquisition builds on years of collaboration between the two companies and is a key initiative in the growth strategy for its Communications Systems Business. By integrating ESChat's technology alongside its KENWOOD and EF Johnson wireless products and systems, JVCKENWOOD gains the ability to deliver one-stop hybrid LMR and broadband solutions to the North American public safety market.
"This was a logical partnership from the start. JVCKENWOOD and ESChat have collaborated for years, and their products and customer bases are highly complementary. Joining JVCKENWOOD provides a great platform for the continued success of the ESChat team and the mission-critical customers they serve."
Paul Klick · Managing Director, The McLean Group"ESChat and JVCKENWOOD have long shared a strong business relationship," said Josh Lober, President and CEO of ESChat. "Together with the JVCKENWOOD team, we will continue to raise the bar for mission critical broadband and hybrid LMR PTT solutions, and expand our customer base both domestically and abroad."
The transaction closed July 2, 2026. The McLean Group acted as the exclusive financial advisor to ESChat on this transaction.
About ESChat
ESChat, operated by San Luis Aviation, Inc., is a San Luis Obispo, California-based provider of secure broadband Push-to-Talk communications. Founded in 2002, ESChat serves more than 700,000 users worldwide across public safety, government, and enterprise markets, and is the only FedRAMP Authorized broadband PTT service. Learn more at www.eschat.com.
About JVCKENWOOD
JVCKENWOOD Corporation (TSE: 6632) is a Yokohama, Japan-based multinational electronics company operating across the Mobility & Telematics, Safety & Security, and Entertainment Solutions sectors. With approximately 80 years of expertise in radio technology, the company provides professional digital radio systems to public safety and enterprise customers worldwide. Learn more at www.jvckenwood.com.
About The McLean Group
The McLean Group is a middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions, valuation advisory, and financial consulting services to businesses nationwide. Headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, the firm has deep expertise in defense, government services, security, and technology sectors. Learn more at www.mcleanllc.com.
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