In a major move marking the latest wave of consolidation in the GNSS and positioning tech sector, Swiss-based u-blox Holding AG has agreed to a $1.3 billion acquisition by private equity giant Advent International.
The all-cash deal, announced August 17, 2025, will see Advent acquire u-blox, a global leader in high-precision GNSS and short-range communications modules, via its indirect Swiss subsidiary ZI Zenith S.à r.l.
The tender offer prices u-blox shares at CHF135.00, representing a 53% premium to the six-month volume-weighted average, and a 32% premium over the last 60 trading days before media reports surfaced regarding the transaction. u-blox’s Board of Directors and its largest shareholder, SEO Master Fund LP, have unanimously endorsed the deal and have committed to tendering all their shares, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction is expected to finalize within six months, resulting in u-blox’s delisting from the SIX Swiss Exchange.
This PE buyout comes at a pivotal moment for u-blox, which executed a strategic pivot in 2025 by divesting its cellular IoT module business and heightening its focus on satellite positioning and industrial & automotive markets.
By joining Advent, u-blox aims to accelerate its expansion plans and innovation pipeline. “This transaction represents a highly attractive opportunity for shareholders, customers, and employees, enabling u-blox to pursue its long-term objectives with greater flexibility,” said the company’s board in a statement.
For the global GNSS market, Advent’s move signals deep private equity confidence in the growth trajectory of precision navigation and positioning as automotive, robotics, and IoT adoption reach new heights. Industry watchers will be tuned to how u-blox, now privately backed, steers its next era of growth and technological leadership.
