California Amplifier Enhances Position in Earth-Station Field

California Amplifier’s plan to buy out Janeil will make the Camarillo manufacturer of components for dish-antenna systems a formidable force in the growing market for home earth stations, said Doron Kochavi, who follows the company for Wedbush, Noble, Cooke, a Los Angeles brokerage.

“California Amplifier, which is recognized by people in the industry as making top-quality components, will now have a big presence at the retail level,” Kochavi said. “Together, they could be an industry leader.”

Janeil makes satellite dishes at its Reseda plant and packages its dishes with other satellite-reception equipment for sale to retailers. Subcontractors make receivers and dish positioners to Janeil specifications. The company also has included California Amplifier components in its systems.

The deal calls for California Amplifier to issue 2.25 million shares of its common stock, which closed at a price of $2.88 Monday, and exchange that for all of Janeil’s common stock.

California Amplifier, which reported sales for its last fiscal year of nearly $19 million, employs 260. Janeil, with sales for its last fiscal year of $31 million, has 30 employees.