News
ADVA Optical Networking Enters Into Agreement to Acquire MRV Communications, Inc.
July 2017 by Marc Jacob
ADVA Optical Networking announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MRV Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVC). Under the terms of the agreement, ADVA Optical Networking will make a tender offer of USD 10.00 per share for all the outstanding common stock of the California-based provider of innovative network solutions for data center operators, service providers and enterprises. The offer equates to an aggregate purchase price of USD 69 million and has been approved and unanimously recommended by both the board of directors of ADVA Optical Networking and the board of directors of MRV Communications, Inc.
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the tender of at least a majority of MRV Communications, Inc. outstanding shares of common stock. If successful, the acquisition will further strengthen ADVA Optical Networking’s portfolio of optical, Ethernet and software solutions and expand its customer base, especially in non-European regions. In 2016, MRV Communications, Inc. recorded revenues of USD 80.3 million. For the quarter ending March 31, 2017, MRV Communications, Inc. reported revenues of USD 21.2 million, cash and cash equivalents of USD 21.7 million and listed no debt.
ADVA Optical Networking’s acquisition of MRV Communications, Inc. will, if completed, be the second significant acquisition it has made in as many years. In 2016, the company successfully acquired Overture Networks to strengthen its Carrier Ethernet portfolio and create one of the industry’s most successful NFV product suites - Ensemble. Earlier this year, Ensemble was selected by Verizon to drive its virtual uCPE solution. ADVA Optical Networking’s continued success across a range of customer segments led to the posting of record Q1 revenues in April 2017. ADVA Optical Networking’s acquisition of MRV Communications, Inc. is subject to customary conditions and is expected to be completed in August or September of 2017.
Cowen and Company, LLC is acting as financial adviser to MRV Communications, Inc. Norton Rose Fulbright LLP is serving as MRV Communications, Inc.’s legal adviser. Hogan Lovells is serving as ADVA Optical Networking’s legal advisor.
