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{{short description|Former company}}
{{Short description|1897–2006 British telecommunications and engineering company}}
{{about|the consolidated history (1897–2006) of the Marconi Company|the consolidated history (1886–2006) of its parent company|General Electric Company plc|the 1999 evolved telecommunications company from GEC|Marconi plc}}
{{about|the Marconi Company (1897–2006)|the 1999 GEC unit|Marconi Communications}}
{{Redirect2|Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company|Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company|the other businesses named Marconi|Marconi (disambiguation){{!}}Marconi}}
{{More footnotes|date=June 2016}}
{{More footnotes|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
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|logo = GEC Marconi logo.svg
|logo = GEC Marconi logo.svg
|type = Private company
|type = Private company
|fate = Acquired by [[General Electric Company plc|GEC]] <br/> <small>(1968)</small><br> Renamed to [[GEC-Marconi]] Ltd <br/> <small>(1987)</small>
|fate = {{Unbulletedlist | Acquired by {{nowrap|[[General Electric Company|GEC]] (1968)}} | Renamed to {{nowrap|[[GEC-Marconi]] Ltd (1987)}}}}
|key_people =
|key_people =
|founder = [[Guglielmo Marconi]]
|foundation = 1897<br/> <small>(as Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company)</small> <br> 1900<br> <small>(as Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company)</small> <br> 1963<br> <small>(as Marconi Company Ltd)</small>
|foundation = {{Unbulletedlist | 1897 (as Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company) | 1900 (as Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company) | 1963 (as Marconi Company Ltd)}}
|defunct = 1987 <br/> <small>(as Marconi Company Ltd)</small> <br> 2006 <br> <small>(as Marconi Corporation plc)</small>
|defunct = {{Unbulletedlist | 1987 (as Marconi Company Ltd) | 2006 (as Marconi Corporation plc) }}
|location =
|location =
|owner = [[English Electric]]<br><small>(1946–1968)</small> <br> [[General Electric Company plc]]<br><small>(1968–1998)</small> <br>[[Marconi plc]]<br><small>(1999–2003)</small> <br> [[Marconi Corporation plc]]<br><small>(2003–2006)</small>
|owner = {{Unbulletedlist | {{nowrap|[[English Electric]] (1946–1968)}} | {{nowrap|[[General Electric Company|GEC]] (1968–1998)}} | {{nowrap|[[Marconi plc]] (1999–2003)}} | {{nowrap|[[Marconi Corporation plc]] (2003–2006)}}}}
| predecessor = Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company<br><small>(1897–1900)</small> <br>Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company<br><small>(1900–1963)</small>
| predecessor = {{Unbulletedlist | {{nowrap|Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company (1897–1900)}} | {{nowrap|Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company (1900–1963)}}}}
|successor = [[CMC Electronics]]<br><small>(1903–present)</small><br>[[GEC-Marconi|GEC-Marconi Ltd]]<br><small>(1987–1998)</small><br>[[BAE Systems]]<br><small>(1999 to present)</small> <br>[[Marconi plc]]<br><small>(1999–2003)</small> <br> [[Marconi Corporation plc]]<br><small>(2003–2006)</small><br>[[Ericsson]]<br><small>(2005 to present)</small> <br>[[Telent]]<br><small>(2005 to present)</small>
|successor = {{Unbulletedlist | [[CMC Electronics]] (1903–present) | [[GEC-Marconi|GEC-Marconi Ltd]] (1987–1998) | [[BAE Systems]] (1999 to present) | [[Marconi plc]] (1999–2003) | [[Marconi Corporation plc]] (2003–2006) | [[Ericsson]] (2005 to present) | [[Telent]] (2005 to present)}}
|industry = [[Telecommunications]]
|industry = [[Telecommunications]]
|products =
|products =
}}
}}

The '''Marconi Company''' was a British telecommunications and engineering company that did business under that name from 1963 to 1987. It was derived from earlier variations in the name and incorporation, spanning a period from its inception in 1897 until 2006, during which time it underwent numerous changes, mergers and acquisitions. The company was founded by Italian inventor [[Guglielmo Marconi]] in 1897 and began as '''the Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company'''. The company was a pioneer of wireless long distance communication and mass media broadcasting, eventually becoming one of the UK's most successful manufacturing companies. In 1999, its defence manufacturing division, [[Marconi Electronic Systems]] (MES), merged with [[British Aerospace]] (BAe) to form [[BAE Systems]]. In 2006, extreme financial difficulties led to the collapse of the remaining company, with the bulk of the business acquired by the Swedish telecommunications company, [[Ericsson]].
The '''Marconi Company''' was a British [[telecommunications]] and [[engineering]] company founded by Italian inventor [[Guglielmo Marconi]] in 1897 which was a pioneer of wireless long distance communication and [[mass media]] [[broadcasting]], eventually becoming one of the UK's most successful manufacturing companies.

Its roots were in the Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company, which underwent several changes in name after mergers and acquisitions. In 1999, its defence equipment manufacturing division, [[Marconi Electronic Systems]], merged with [[British Aerospace]] (BAe) to form [[BAE Systems]]. In 2006, financial difficulties led to the collapse of the remaining company, with the bulk of the business acquired by the Swedish telecommunications company, [[Ericsson]].


==History==
==History==
Line 29: Line 32:
*1963–1987: Marconi Company Ltd
*1963–1987: Marconi Company Ltd
*1987–1998: GEC-Marconi Ltd
*1987–1998: GEC-Marconi Ltd
*1998–1999: Marconi Electronic Systems Ltd
*1998–1999: [[Marconi Electronic Systems|Marconi Electronic Systems Ltd]]
*1999–2003: Marconi plc
*1999–2003: Marconi plc, with [[Marconi Communications]] as principal subsidiary
*2003–2006: Marconi Corporation plc
*2003–2006: Marconi Corporation plc


===Early history===
===Early history===
[[File:Donald Manson working as an employee of the Marconi Company.jpg|An employee of the Marconi Company, England, 1906|thumb]]
[[File:Donald Manson working as an employee of the Marconi Company.jpg|An employee of the Marconi Company, England, 1906|thumb]]
[[File:Albert Einstein with other engineers and scientists at Marconi RCA radio station 1921.jpg|thumb|Marconi Wireless Station in [[Somerset, New Jersey]], in 1921.]]
[[File:Albert Einstein with engineers and scientists - RCA radio station - Hagley Archives - restoration1.jpg|thumb|Marconi Wireless Station in [[Somerset, New Jersey]], in 1921.]]
[[File:Radio Times - 1923-10-26 - page 168 (Marconi).png|thumb|upright|Marconi advertisement from the 26 October 1923 issue of ''[[The Radio Times]]'', threatening prosecution for infringements of Marconi patents. ]]
[[File:Radio Times - 1923-10-26 - page 168 (Marconi).png|thumb|upright|Marconi advertisement from the 26 October 1923 issue of ''[[The Radio Times]]'', threatening prosecution for infringements of Marconi patents. ]]
Marconi's "Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company" was formed on 20 July 1897 after the granting of a British patent for wireless in March of that year. The company opened the world's first radio factory on Hall Street in [[Chelmsford]] in 1898 and was responsible for some of the most important advances in radio and television. These include:
Marconi's "Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company" was formed on 20 July 1897 after a British patent for wireless technology was granted on 2 July that year. The company opened the world's first radio factory on Hall Street in [[Chelmsford]] northeast of London in 1898 and was responsible for some of the most important advances in radio and television. These include:


{{Div col}}
* The [[diode]] [[vacuum tube]] in 1904 ([[John Ambrose Fleming|Fleming]])
* The [[diode]] [[vacuum tube]] in 1904 ([[John Ambrose Fleming|Fleming]])
* [[Transatlantic crossing#Transatlantic radio|Transatlantic]] radio broadcasting<ref>[http://marconi100.ca/clip/marconi-sydpost19071024.html Second Test of the Marconi Over-Ocean Wireless System Proved Entirely Successful]. ''Sydney Daily Post''. 24 October 1907</ref> between [[Clifden]], Ireland and [[Glace Bay]], Nova Scotia, October 17, 1907.
* [[Transatlantic crossing#Transatlantic radio|Transatlantic]] radio broadcasting<ref>[http://marconi100.ca/clip/marconi-sydpost19071024.html Second Test of the Marconi Over-Ocean Wireless System Proved Entirely Successful]. ''Sydney Daily Post''. 24 October 1907</ref> between [[Clifden]], Ireland and [[Glace Bay]], Nova Scotia, October 17, 1907.
Line 51: Line 53:
* Television
* Television
* [[Avionics]]
* [[Avionics]]
{{Div col end}}


The subsidiary ''[[Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America]]'', also called "American Marconi", was founded in 1899.<ref>{{cite book|last=Wilkins|first=Mira|title=The History of Foreign Investment in the United States to 1914|year=1989|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofforeign0000wilk|url-access=registration|publisher=Harvard University Press}}</ref> It was the dominant radio communications provider in the US until the formation of the [[Radio Corporation of America]] (RCA) in 1919.<ref>{{cite book|last= Buckley|first=Peter J.|title=European Direct Investment in the U.S.A. before World War I|publisher=Springer}}</ref>
The subsidiary [[Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America]], also called "American Marconi", was founded in 1899.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wilkins |first=Mira |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofforeign0000wilk |title=The History of Foreign Investment in the United States to 1914 |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=1989 |page=520 |isbn=9780674396661 |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=chi.65453774&view=1up&seq=906 "A Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company for America"], ''Electrical World and Engineer'', December 2, 1899, pp. 870–871.</ref> It was the dominant radio communications provider in the US until the formation of the [[Radio Corporation of America]] (RCA) in 1919.<ref>{{cite book|last= Buckley|first=Peter J.|title=European Direct Investment in the U.S.A. before World War I|publisher=Springer}}{{ISBN?}}{{page?|date=October 2024}}</ref>


In 1900 the company's name was changed to "Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company" and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Training College was established in 1901. The company and factory was moved to [[New Street Works]] in 1912 to allow for production expansion in light of the RMS [[RMS Titanic|''Titanic'']] disaster. Along with private entrepreneurs, Marconi company formed in 1924 the ''[[Unione Radiofonica Italiana]]'' (URI), which was granted by [[Economic policies of Fascist Italy|Mussolini's regime a monopoly]] of radio broadcasts in 1924. After the war, URI became the [[RAI]], which lives on to this day.
In 1900 the company's name was changed to "Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company" and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Training College was established in 1901. The company and factory was moved to [[New Street Works]] in 1912 to allow for production expansion in light of the RMS [[RMS Titanic|''Titanic'']] disaster. Along with private entrepreneurs, Marconi company formed in 1924 the ''[[Unione Radiofonica Italiana]]'' (URI), which was granted by [[Economic policies of Fascist Italy|Mussolini's regime a monopoly]] of radio broadcasts in 1924. After the war, URI became the [[RAI]], which lives on to this day.


[[Isaac Shoenberg]] joined the company in 1914 and became joint general manager in 1924. After leaving Marconi in 1928 he went on to lead research at [[EMI]] where he was influential in the development of television broadcasting.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Isaac Shoenberg 1880–1963 |url=https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp169519/isaac-shoenberg |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Science Museum Group Collection |language=en}}</ref>
In 1939, the [[Marconi Research Centre|Marconi Research Laboratories]] at [[Great Baddow]] were founded and in 1941 there was a buyout of Marconi-[[Ekco]] Instruments to form [[Marconi Instruments]].

In 1939, the [[Marconi Research Centre|Marconi Research Laboratories]] were founded at [[Great Baddow]], Essex. In 1941 there was a buyout of Marconi-[[Ekco]] Instruments to form [[Marconi Instruments]].


===Operations as English Electric subsidiary===
===Operations as English Electric subsidiary===
[[File:New Street Factory Marconi.jpg|thumb|right|New Street Factory in 2018]]
[[File:New Street Factory Marconi.jpg|thumb|right|New Street Factory in 2018]]
[[English Electric]] acquired the Marconi Company in 1946 which complemented its other operations; heavy electrical engineering, aircraft and its railway traction business. In 1948 the company was reorganised into four divisions:
[[English Electric]] acquired the Marconi Company in 1946 to complement its other operations: heavy electrical engineering, aircraft manufacture and its railway traction business. In 1948 the company was reorganised into four divisions: Communications, Broadcasting, Aeronautics and Radar. These had expanded to 13 manufacturing divisions by 1965 when a further reorganisation took place. The divisions were placed into three groups: Telecommunications, Components and Electronics.

{{Div col}}
* Communications
* Broadcasting
* Aeronautics
* Radar
{{Div col end}}

These had expanded to 13 manufacturing divisions by 1965 when a further reorganisation took place. The divisions were placed into three groups :
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
* Telecommunications
* Electronics
* Components
{{Div col end}}


At this time the Marconi Company had facilities at New Street Chelmsford, Baddow, Basildon, Billericay, and Writtle as well as in Wembley, Gateshead and Hackbridge. It also owned [[Marconi Instruments]], Sanders Electronics, Eddystone Radio and Marconi Italiana (based in [[Genoa, Italy]]). In 1967 Marconi took over Stratton and Company to form Eddystone Radio.
At this time the Marconi Company had facilities at New Street Chelmsford, Baddow, Basildon, Billericay, and Writtle as well as in Wembley, Gateshead and Hackbridge. It also owned [[Marconi Instruments]], Sanders Electronics, Eddystone Radio and Marconi Italiana (based in [[Genoa]], Italy). In 1967 Marconi took over Stratton and Company to form Eddystone Radio.


===Expansion in Canada===
===Expansion in Canada===
Line 83: Line 72:


===Expansion as GEC subsidiary===
===Expansion as GEC subsidiary===
In 1967 or 1968, English Electric was subject to a takeover bid by the [[Plessey|Plessey Company]] but chose instead to accept an offer from GEC. Under UK government pressure, the computer section of GEC, English Electric Leo Marconi (EELM), merged with [[International Computers and Tabulators]] (ICT) to form [[International Computers Limited]] (ICL). The computer interests of [[Elliott Automation]] which specialised in real-time computing were amalgamated with those of Marconi's Automation Division to form Marconi-Elliott Computers, later renamed as [[GEC Computers]]. In 1968 Marconi Space and Defence Systems and Marconi Underwater Systems were formed.
In 1967 or 1968, English Electric was subject to a takeover bid by the [[Plessey|Plessey Company]] but chose instead to accept an offer from the [[General Electric Company]] (GEC). Under UK government pressure, the computer section of GEC, English Electric Leo Marconi (EELM), merged with [[International Computers and Tabulators]] (ICT) to form [[International Computers Limited]] (ICL). The computer interests of [[Elliott Automation]] which specialised in real-time computing were amalgamated with those of Marconi's Automation Division to form Marconi-Elliott Computers, later renamed as [[GEC Computers]]. In 1968 Marconi Space and Defence Systems and Marconi Underwater Systems were formed.


The Marconi Company continued as the primary defence subsidiary of GEC, GEC-Marconi. Marconi was renamed GEC-Marconi in 1987. During the period 1968–1999 GEC-Marconi/MES underwent significant expansion.
The Marconi Company continued as the primary defence subsidiary of GEC, GEC-Marconi. Marconi was renamed GEC-Marconi in 1987. During the period 1968–1999 GEC-Marconi/MES underwent significant expansion.
Line 111: Line 100:


==Since 1999==
==Since 1999==
In 1999, GEC underwent a major transformation. Marconi Electronic Systems, which included its wireless assets, was demerged and sold to [[British Aerospace]] which then formed [[BAE Systems]] (where the letters "AE" stand for Aerospace and Electronics).
In 1999, GEC was broken up and parts sold off. Marconi Electronic Systems, which included its wireless assets, was demerged and sold to [[British Aerospace]] which then formed [[BAE Systems]].


GEC, realigning itself as a primarily telecommunications company following the MES sale, retained the Marconi brand and renamed itself [[Marconi plc]]. BAE were granted limited rights to continue use of the Marconi name in existing partnerships, which had ceased by 2005. Major spending and the [[dot-com collapse]] led to a major restructuring of the Marconi group in 2003: in a debt-for-[[equity swap]], shareholders retained 0.5% of the new company, [[Marconi Corporation plc]].<ref>{{cite web|title=MARCONI PLC, Form 6-K, Filing Date Mar 31, 2003|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/660/0001156973-03-000451.pdf|access-date=17 December 2020|publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>
GEC, realigning itself as a primarily telecommunications company following the MES sale, retained the Marconi brand and renamed itself [[Marconi plc]]. BAE were granted limited rights to continue use of the Marconi name in existing partnerships, which had ceased by 2005. Major spending and the [[dot-com collapse]] led to a major restructuring of the Marconi group in 2003: in a debt-for-[[equity swap]], shareholders retained 0.5% of the new company, [[Marconi Corporation plc]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Marconi PLC, Form 6-K, Filing Date Mar 31, 2003|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/660/0001156973-03-000451.pdf|access-date=17 December 2020|publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>


In October 2005 the Swedish firm [[Ericsson]] offered to buy the Marconi name and most of the assets. The transaction was completed on 23 January 2006, effective as of 1 January 2006.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Milner|first=Mark|last2=Moore|first2=Charlotte|date=26 October 2005|title=Ericsson deal closes Marconi's final chapter|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/oct/26/frontpagenews|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-13|website=the Guardian}}</ref> The remainder of the Marconi company, with some 2,000 staff working on telecommunications infrastructure in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, was renamed [[Telent]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Telent Limited|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00067307|access-date=13 September 2021|website=Companies House}}</ref>
In October 2005 the Swedish firm [[Ericsson]] offered to buy the Marconi name and most of the assets. The transaction was completed on 23 January 2006, effective as of 1 January 2006.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last1=Milner|first1=Mark|last2=Moore|first2=Charlotte|date=26 October 2005|title=Ericsson deal closes Marconi's final chapter|url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/oct/26/frontpagenews|access-date=2021-09-13|website=the Guardian}}</ref> The remainder of the Marconi company, with some 2,000 staff working on telecommunications infrastructure in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, was renamed [[Telent]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Telent Limited|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00067307|access-date=13 September 2021|website=Companies House}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* Baker, W. J. (1970, 1996) ''History of the Marconi Company 1894–1965''.
* Baker, W. J. (1970, 1996). ''History of the Marconi Company 1894–1965''. {{ISBN?}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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{{Telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom}}
{{Telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Electronics companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Electronics companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Computer companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct computer companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct computer hardware companies]]
[[Category:Telegraph companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Telegraph companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct technology companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct technology companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct computer hardware companies]]
[[Category:Guglielmo Marconi]]
[[Category:Guglielmo Marconi]]
[[Category:Companies based in Chelmsford]]
[[Category:Companies based in Chelmsford]]
[[Category:General Electric Company]]
[[Category:General Electric Company]]
[[Category:History of radio technology]]
[[Category:Radio manufacturers]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1897]]

Latest revision as of 11:03, 9 December 2024

Marconi Company Ltd
Company typePrivate company
IndustryTelecommunications
Predecessor
  • Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company (1897–1900)
  • Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company (1900–1963)
Founded
  • 1897 (as Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company)
  • 1900 (as Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company)
  • 1963 (as Marconi Company Ltd)
FounderGuglielmo Marconi
Defunct
  • 1987 (as Marconi Company Ltd)
  • 2006 (as Marconi Corporation plc)
Fate
Successor
Headquarters
Owner

The Marconi Company was a British telecommunications and engineering company founded by Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi in 1897 which was a pioneer of wireless long distance communication and mass media broadcasting, eventually becoming one of the UK's most successful manufacturing companies.

Its roots were in the Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company, which underwent several changes in name after mergers and acquisitions. In 1999, its defence equipment manufacturing division, Marconi Electronic Systems, merged with British Aerospace (BAe) to form BAE Systems. In 2006, financial difficulties led to the collapse of the remaining company, with the bulk of the business acquired by the Swedish telecommunications company, Ericsson.

History

[edit]

Naming history

[edit]
  • 1897–1900: The Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company
  • 1900–1963: Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company
  • 1963–1987: Marconi Company Ltd
  • 1987–1998: GEC-Marconi Ltd
  • 1998–1999: Marconi Electronic Systems Ltd
  • 1999–2003: Marconi plc, with Marconi Communications as principal subsidiary
  • 2003–2006: Marconi Corporation plc

Early history

[edit]
An employee of the Marconi Company, England, 1906
Marconi Wireless Station in Somerset, New Jersey, in 1921.
Marconi advertisement from the 26 October 1923 issue of The Radio Times, threatening prosecution for infringements of Marconi patents.

Marconi's "Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company" was formed on 20 July 1897 after a British patent for wireless technology was granted on 2 July that year. The company opened the world's first radio factory on Hall Street in Chelmsford northeast of London in 1898 and was responsible for some of the most important advances in radio and television. These include:

The subsidiary Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America, also called "American Marconi", was founded in 1899.[2][3] It was the dominant radio communications provider in the US until the formation of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1919.[4]

In 1900 the company's name was changed to "Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company" and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Training College was established in 1901. The company and factory was moved to New Street Works in 1912 to allow for production expansion in light of the RMS Titanic disaster. Along with private entrepreneurs, Marconi company formed in 1924 the Unione Radiofonica Italiana (URI), which was granted by Mussolini's regime a monopoly of radio broadcasts in 1924. After the war, URI became the RAI, which lives on to this day.

Isaac Shoenberg joined the company in 1914 and became joint general manager in 1924. After leaving Marconi in 1928 he went on to lead research at EMI where he was influential in the development of television broadcasting.[5]

In 1939, the Marconi Research Laboratories were founded at Great Baddow, Essex. In 1941 there was a buyout of Marconi-Ekco Instruments to form Marconi Instruments.

Operations as English Electric subsidiary

[edit]
New Street Factory in 2018

English Electric acquired the Marconi Company in 1946 to complement its other operations: heavy electrical engineering, aircraft manufacture and its railway traction business. In 1948 the company was reorganised into four divisions: Communications, Broadcasting, Aeronautics and Radar. These had expanded to 13 manufacturing divisions by 1965 when a further reorganisation took place. The divisions were placed into three groups: Telecommunications, Components and Electronics.

At this time the Marconi Company had facilities at New Street Chelmsford, Baddow, Basildon, Billericay, and Writtle as well as in Wembley, Gateshead and Hackbridge. It also owned Marconi Instruments, Sanders Electronics, Eddystone Radio and Marconi Italiana (based in Genoa, Italy). In 1967 Marconi took over Stratton and Company to form Eddystone Radio.

Expansion in Canada

[edit]

In 1903, Marconi founded the Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada which was renamed as the Canadian Marconi Company in 1925. The radio business of the Canadian Marconi Company is known as Ultra Electronics TCS since 2002 and its avionic activities as CMC Electronics, owned by Esterline since 2007.[6]

Expansion as GEC subsidiary

[edit]

In 1967 or 1968, English Electric was subject to a takeover bid by the Plessey Company but chose instead to accept an offer from the General Electric Company (GEC). Under UK government pressure, the computer section of GEC, English Electric Leo Marconi (EELM), merged with International Computers and Tabulators (ICT) to form International Computers Limited (ICL). The computer interests of Elliott Automation which specialised in real-time computing were amalgamated with those of Marconi's Automation Division to form Marconi-Elliott Computers, later renamed as GEC Computers. In 1968 Marconi Space and Defence Systems and Marconi Underwater Systems were formed.

The Marconi Company continued as the primary defence subsidiary of GEC, GEC-Marconi. Marconi was renamed GEC-Marconi in 1987. During the period 1968–1999 GEC-Marconi/MES underwent significant expansion.

Acquisitions which were folded into the company and partnerships established included:

Other acquisitions included:

  • Divisions of Plessey in 1989 (others acquired by its partner in the deal, Siemens AG, to meet with regulatory approval).
    • Plessey Avionics
    • Plessey Naval Systems
    • Plessey Cryptography
    • Plessey Electronic Systems (75%)
    • Sippican
    • Leigh Instruments

In a major reorganisation of the company, GEC-Marconi was renamed Marconi Electronic Systems in 1996 and was separated from other non-defence assets.

Since 1999

[edit]

In 1999, GEC was broken up and parts sold off. Marconi Electronic Systems, which included its wireless assets, was demerged and sold to British Aerospace which then formed BAE Systems.

GEC, realigning itself as a primarily telecommunications company following the MES sale, retained the Marconi brand and renamed itself Marconi plc. BAE were granted limited rights to continue use of the Marconi name in existing partnerships, which had ceased by 2005. Major spending and the dot-com collapse led to a major restructuring of the Marconi group in 2003: in a debt-for-equity swap, shareholders retained 0.5% of the new company, Marconi Corporation plc.[7]

In October 2005 the Swedish firm Ericsson offered to buy the Marconi name and most of the assets. The transaction was completed on 23 January 2006, effective as of 1 January 2006.[8] The remainder of the Marconi company, with some 2,000 staff working on telecommunications infrastructure in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, was renamed Telent.[8][9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Second Test of the Marconi Over-Ocean Wireless System Proved Entirely Successful. Sydney Daily Post. 24 October 1907
  2. ^ Wilkins, Mira (1989). The History of Foreign Investment in the United States to 1914. Harvard University Press. p. 520. ISBN 9780674396661.
  3. ^ "A Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company for America", Electrical World and Engineer, December 2, 1899, pp. 870–871.
  4. ^ Buckley, Peter J. European Direct Investment in the U.S.A. before World War I. Springer.[ISBN missing][page needed]
  5. ^ "Isaac Shoenberg 1880–1963". Science Museum Group Collection. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  6. ^ Denis Couillard, Ultra Electronics TCS
  7. ^ "Marconi PLC, Form 6-K, Filing Date Mar 31, 2003" (PDF). secdatabase.com. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  8. ^ a b Milner, Mark; Moore, Charlotte (26 October 2005). "Ericsson deal closes Marconi's final chapter". the Guardian. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Telent Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  • Baker, W. J. (1970, 1996). History of the Marconi Company 1894–1965. [ISBN missing]
[edit]