CommScope has completed its acquisition of ARRIS International, a company known for its entertainment and communications solutions.
The acquisition brings together two companies with a unique set of complementary assets and capabilities that are expected to enable end-to-end communications infrastructure and connectivity solutions, something that neither company could achieve on its own. The combination of the companies, which includes Ruckus Networks, is expected to create new opportunities across multiple markets, while increasing the companies’ relevance and importance with existing networking customers.
With the completion of this transaction, CommScope will be better positioned to benefit from long-term industry growth trends, including network convergence, fibre and mobility everywhere, 5G, Internet of Things and rapidly changing network and technology architectures.
“This is a major milestone in the evolution of these two great companies and a significant moment for our industry,” said Eddie Edwards, president and chief executive officer, CommScope. “With the completion of this exciting transaction, we are creating a new CommScope that will help shape communications connectivity and networks of the future with greater technology, solutions and employee talent. We are committed to building on our well-established track record in prior transactions of meeting or exceeding our synergy targets and generating significant value for shareholders.
“We are focused on ensuring CommScope, with the fully integrated ARRIS and Ruckus businesses, is at its best financially, operationally and competitively. We are confident in our ability to solidify our leadership positions in the markets we serve and capitalise on opportunities in new markets. I look forward to continuing to work closely with all of our employees, including our new team members from ARRIS, as we strive to create a growth-oriented, innovative company focused on leading the upcoming network transformations.”
As previously announced, The Carlyle Group, a global alternative asset manager, has re-established an ownership position in CommScope through a $1 billion minority equity investment as part of CommScope’s financing of the transaction. In connection with the closing of the transaction, Daniel F. Akerson and Campbell R. Dyer, representatives of The Carlyle Group, have been appointed to the CommScope board of directors, effective immediately.
“I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime combination of two great companies that are poised to make a lasting impact on the communications industry and the customers we serve,” said Bruce McClelland, formerly chief executive officer of ARRIS and now chief operating officer at CommScope. “Together, we combine great employee talent and experience, an impressive record of innovation and industry firsts, and a sharp focus on creating a world-class customer experience. The entire ARRIS team and I are eager to get started and help make CommScope one of the top names in technology.”
