Agilent to Acquire RedSwitch

Agilent Technologies today announced they would acquire the remaining interest in RedSwitch, a leading developer of high-performance switch fabric silicon solutions for the storage, server, networking and telecom markets. Prior to this transaction, Agilent held a 74 percent interest in the RedSwitch, a Milpitas, Calif.-based company.

RedSwitch, a privately held company with approximately 80 employees, develops and distributes advanced switch fabric silicon solutions implementing the emerging InfiniBand and RapidIO industry standards. Agilent and RedSwitch have collaborated closely on the development of an 8-port, 4x InfiniBand switch IC since RedSwitch was founded two years ago. The acquisition will enable a single-vendor solution set that targets server and storage networking customers with a broad range of products, including switches, ASICs, optical transceivers, adapter boards and standard products.

After the closing, RedSwitch will become part of Agilent’s Semiconductor Products Group.

“This acquisition will add expertise in key technologies — InfiniBand and RapidIO — and will strengthen Agilent’s broad networking product and technology portfolio,” said Dick Chang, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Semiconductor Products Group. “Our two companies are a great fit. RedSwitch has an experienced switch development team that knows how to add value in a high-performance, high-complexity environment. Agilent adds world-class engineering resources, high-volume manufacturing, and global supply chain management, as well as proven strength in distribution, marketing, sales and support.”

“By becoming part of Agilent, we can offer our customers broader, more complete solutions,” said Hungwen Li, president and CEO of RedSwitch. “Agilent’s resources as a Fortune 500 company add credibility to our products in the marketplace and should accelerate customer acceptance. Both companies have a culture of technology innovation; our products are complementary and we talk to the same customers.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of November, subject to closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.