Active Voice Corporation, a Seattle-based provider of unified messaging and computer telephony software solutions, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Cisco Systems, Inc.
The acquisition of Active Voice supports Cisco’s vision to deliver unified communications and a single, end-to-end IP network combining data, voice, and video for the corporate enterprise.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $266 million in stock for Active Voice’s Unity operation comprised of IP-based unified messaging solutions.
Cisco will also pay approximately $30 million in stock for Active Voice’s circuit switched PBX voicemail solutions, which will be sold after the acquisition closes, to a newly formed entity comprised of former Active Voice employees for $30 million.
The acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to various closing conditions including Active Voice shareholder approval and approval under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
According to Cisco officials, the acquisition of Active Voice’s Unity operation represents an important step in the advancement of Cisco’s Architecture for Voice, Video, and Integrated Data.
“The acquisition of Active Voice represents an exciting opportunity,” says Frank J. Costa, Active Voice’s CEO and president. “I congratulate our entire team on their tremendous accomplishment in delivering a unified messaging product that will accelerate the adoption of new IP telephony communications systems, while also supporting our customer’s current investments with superior circuit switch integration, and dual IP/PBX support.”
Active Voice’s Unity team will be led by Active Voice chief technology officer and vice president of advanced products, Kevin Chestnut, and will report to David Kirk, senior vice president, Cisco’s Internet Communications Software Group.
The newly formed entity will continue to operate independently and will sell and support Active Voice’s other product lines.
