In a move intended to expand its position in the wireless technology
market, Cisco Systems Inc. Thursday released plans to acquire ExiO
Communications Inc. in a deal valued at $155 million.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco common stock will be exchanged
for all outstanding shares and options of ExiO. This acquisition is expected
to be complete in the third quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2001.
The acquisition of ExiO — a developer of in-building, wireless
technologies for corporate networks based on standard, Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies — strengthens Cisco’s commitment to the
development of a fully converged network. The network is intended to support
multiple wireless standards, including GSM and CDMA, for integrated mobile
voice and data services, according to the company.
“The merging of the CDMA and the GSM standards allows users to have access to on- and off-campus networks,” explained Robyn Jenkins, spokesperson for Cisco. “This is traditionally more cost-effective for the corporate environment.
“The acquisition of ExiO additionally complements our purchase of JetCell last May. JetCell provides converged VoIP via GSM while ExiO works with the CDMA standard,” she noted. “This enhances the solution for GSM with CDMA technology.”
Additionally, ExiO’s wireless telephony solutions build on Cisco’s existing wireless technology that enables enterprise customers to add the convenience of mobility to VoIP.
In connection with the acquisition, Cisco expects a one-time charge of
approximately $.01 per share on an after-tax basis for purchased in-process
research and development expenses. The acquisition has been approved by the
board of directors of each company and is subject to various closing
conditions.
The Mobile Wireless Internet is expected to be a large and fast growing
market, serving more than one billion subscribers by 2004.
