Alcatel to Acquire Packet Engines, a High-Performance Internet
Technology Provider
PARIS and SPOKANE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1998--Alcatel
(NYSE: ALA) and Packet Engines, Inc. today jointly announced that they have entered
into a definitive agreement under which Alcatel will acquire Packet Engines, Inc. in a
cash transaction. Packet Engines delivers one of the highest performance wire-speed
routing and Gigabit Ethernet solutions available today. This acquisition is in line with
Alcatel's previously stated strategy to enter the IP market with closely controlled
technologies and to expand its presence in the U.S.. Packet Engines' product lines will
also complement Alcatel's current data and enterprise offering with high-end
routers and Gigabit Ethernet LAN switches.
Packet Engines will immediately benefit from Alcatel's worldwide extensive presence on
the enterprise and carrier markets. Packet Engines' products will be sold in conjunction
with Alcatel solutions, such as SONET transmission systems, ADSL Internet hi-speed
access systems, broadband switching systems and PBXs.
The transaction has an implied value of $315 million, which includes the equity purchase
price as well as a Technology Development Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan will
leverage Packet Engines' outstanding IP know-how to develop new products
broadening Alcatel's networking solutions.
Following the acquisition of Packet Engines, the company will
retain its name and continue to be headquartered in the Spokane area.
Krish Prabhu, who is currently President and CEO of Alcatel USA, Inc., will serve as
Chairman of the company, while Bernard Daines, founder of Packet Engines, will
remain CEO.
Krish Prabhu said: "Alcatel appreciates the importance of datacom
and IP technologies in today's telecom networks. This acquisition also underscores our
commitment to the US marketplace. We will integrate Packet Engines'
technologies in our offerings as we work towards shaping the future of
telecommunications networks."
"Packet Engines is excited to be a part of the Alcatel group. This
relationship will enable us to accelerate the development of our products, and to better
serve our customer base," commented Bernard Daines. "The Spokane area has proven
to be a great home for Packet Engines, and the company is committed to continue
growing its presence. We anticipate substantial growth in all areas of the company,
especially engineering and sales."
Packet Engines, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Spokane, WA,
where it employs 200 people. The company develops networking solutions for service
provider, ISP and enterprise networks delivering gigabit performance and
mission-critical reliability. The company provides a complete suite of high-performance
gigabit networking solutions including the PowerRail family of Gigabit Ethernet switches,
and G-NIC II network interface cards. The PowerRail family delivers Infinite
Routing(TM), mission-critical reliability, and Application-Enabled Networking(TM).
The PowerRail products began shipping in the second quarter of 1998. These products
represent the industry's highest performance and most reliable suite of enterprise routing
switches, and are specifically designed to meet the growing demands of enterprise
network backbones and data centers.
Alcatel has significant worldwide positions in operator data networks and a leading
position in European enterprise data networking
integration.
Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by Packet Engines' shareholders,
the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under the antitrust laws and
other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in
approximately two months. |
