A London-based technology group has expanded its expertise in the wireless communications market after buying an Australian electronics firm.

Smiths Group, which employs more than 20,000 people in 50 countries, has bought Brisbane-based components manufacturer Triasx. The company was bought for an undisclosed cash sum after the board reached an agreement with its private owners.

The deal strengthens Smiths’ Interconnect business, which designs and manufacturers specialised electronic and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical systems for the aerospace, defence, space and medical markets.

Smiths Interconnect acting president Ralph Phillips said Triasx is a good fit for the company. “With manufacturing in Australia and China, the acquisition is part of Smiths Interconnect’s strategy of expanding its global footprint,” he added. “The Triasx range of products will be extensively marketed across its existing global sales network.”

Triasx has some 160 employees in Australia and Suzhou, China. For the 12 months to July 2008, Triasx posted estimated sales of £12.5 million.

Smiths’ products and services support the customs, medical and energy and communications markets.