Accelleran and Firecell revealed plans to merge and form a powerhouse in private 5G technology tailored for Europe’s industrial sector. The two companies, both specializing in private cellular networks, expect the combination to strengthen their position across the continent. Existing product lines from both firms will continue to receive support after the merger closes.

Firecell CEO Claude Seyrat will lead the new entity, officials said. The announcement highlights a push for ‘EU-sovereign’ offerings, meaning networks independent of non-European hardware and software dependencies. This comes amid rising demand for secure, localized 5G in factories, warehouses and enterprise settings.

The merger draws backing from a €7.9 million investment round. Existing investors in the Belgian Accelleran and French Firecell led the funding, according to company statements. Details on the exact timeline for completion remain pending regulatory approvals.

Accelleran, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, focuses on software-defined RAN solutions for private 5G and LTE networks. Firecell, headquartered in Toulouse, France, provides turnkey private 5G systems emphasizing open standards and edge computing. Together, they serve clients in manufacturing, logistics and energy sectors seeking customizable, high-performance connectivity.

Industry watchers see the tie-up as a strategic response to competition from larger players like Nokia and Ericsson in the private 5G space. The merged firm plans to expand its footprint, targeting more industrial sites across the European Union. ‘This merger positions us to deliver sovereign, high-performance private networks at scale,’ Seyrat said in a prepared statement.

Private 5G adoption has accelerated in Europe over the past two years, driven by needs for ultra-reliable, low-latency communication in automated environments. According to recent market reports, the segment could reach €1.5 billion by 2025. The Accelleran-Firecell combination promises to preserve customer investments while accelerating innovation in open RAN architectures.

Investors involved include Matterwave, a venture firm active in telecom tech, along with other backers from prior rounds. No immediate changes to customer contracts are anticipated, the companies assured. The deal highlights a trend of consolidation among specialized vendors aiming to challenge global giants.