- Through the acquisition of Cobham AvComm’s test and measurement business, Viavi expands its portfolio of test solutions to wireless communications.
- The U. S. company plans to strengthen its presence in the mobile telecommunications market, where next-generation 5G networks are being evaluated by many operators. Their massive deployment is expected in the coming years.
- This operation also allows Viavi to expand its testing and measurement activities in the areas of Defence, public security and aeronautics.
Viavi Solutions announced the acquisition of the testing and measurement business of British company Cobham for $455 million. This transaction, which was approved by the board of directors of both companies, is expected to be finalized in the second half of Viavi’s 2018 fiscal year, subject to customary legal approvals.
This acquisition aims to strengthen Viavi’s position in the 5G telecommunications sector and to expand its activities into the military, public safety and aerospace test markets. Cobham AvComm and Wireless T&M specializes in test systems for telecom networks, from radio access to the core of the network. It operates in the communications (data, audio and video) and wireless transmission markets for satellites, defence electronics and aeronautics.
Cobham employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide. The UK-based company is active in the military, public safety and aviation markets. It recorded sales of approximately $200 million in 2017. The UK company has customers and partners in more than 100 countries.
Viavi is a provider of network testing, monitoring and quality assurance solutions for communications service providers. Its solutions aim to provide end-to-end visibility of physical, virtual and hybrid networks to optimize connectivity, quality of service, and user experience. Viavi also provides fiber optic inspection and characterization solutions.
The U. S. company also specializes in optical filters and coatings as well as custom color solutions for paints, inks and textiles. These products are dedicated to the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, automotive, defense and instrumentation markets.
For its 2017 fiscal year, ending at the end of July, Viavi, headquartered in San Jose, California, reported a net revenu of $811.4 million and net income of $165.3 million. It employs approximately 3,200 people at 46 sites in 22 countries.
