Maker of network test gears, Keysight Technologies and Ixia, Monday announced an agreement for Keysight to acquire Ixia in an all-cash transaction totaling approximately $1.6 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ixia shareholders will receive $19.65 per share in cash which represents a premium of approximately 45 percent to Ixia's closing stock price before the sale was aanounced on 1st of Dec 2016.
The combined company will serve over 100 countries around the world, and Keysight’s worldwide go-to-market strength and sales channel enables Ixia access to previously untapped non-US NEMs, particularly in Asia. It also brings together two highly complementary companies to create an innovative force in leading-edge technologies that spans electronic design, device and network validation, and application and security performance. Ixia has a broad IP portfolio that encompasses network communications, visibility, application and security technologies with solutions deeply rooted in software.
Additionally, Ixia's IP includes extensive networking and wireless protocols that will extend Keysight's position in wireless communications and create a unique combination of Layer 1 through 7 end-to-end solutions that address fast-growing segments of the 5G communications design and test ecosystem.
Ron Nersesion, Keysight President & CEO
The combination creates a powerful innovation engine to fuel growth, expands our software-centric solutions and builds new opportunities through sales and technology leverage. Ixia also brings a world-class level of talent, and together, we will provide leading-edge solutions that address the fastest-growing communications and networking trends including 5G, IoT, visibility, security and application performance.
Bethany Mayer, Ixia President & CEO
Ixia and Keysight share many of the same values including our dedication to innovation of leading-edge technologies, and commitment to operational excellence and financial discipline, which combine to create value for shareholders. We also have industry leading IP portfolios that are complementary, deep technical prowess and amazing teams.
