Verilink buys metro box developer Larscom

Access box vendor Verilink is expanding the reach of its equipment offerings into the metro market, announcing Thursday (April 26, 2004) that it has acquired metro box manufacturer Larscom for about $26.5 million.

Based in Madison, Ala., Verilink develops access box solutions for carriers. The company's products include integrated access devices (IADs) that handle voice-over-IP (VoIP), VoDSL, and VoATM tasks. Through Larscom, Verilink gains access to optical edge access routers, CSU/DSU access routers and inverse multiplexers.

Under terms of the agreement, Verilink will acquire Larscom for about 6 million shares of common stock. Currently, Verlink's stock is trading around $4.40, making the total transaction value about $26.5 million.

The acquisition is subject to the approval of each company's stockholders and other customary closing conditions. Verilink expects the transaction to close this summer.

- Robert Keenan

CommsDesign.com