Acquisition of Active Optical Technology

RNS Number : 5275V

Volex PLC

15 January 2013

 



For immediate release                                                                                              15 January 2013

Volex Acquires AppliedMicro Active Optical Technology Platform

Agreement Provides for Joint Patent Ownership and Basis for Collaboration on Next Generation Optical Technologies

Volex plc (LSE: VLX), the global provider of electrical, digital and optical connections, and Applied Micro Circuits Corporation (NASDAQ: AMCC), a global leader in computing and connectivity solutions for next-generation cloud infrastructure and data centres, announced that the companies have completed a transaction under which Volex has acquired active optical technology from AppliedMicro for a purchase price of approximately US$2 million. Under the asset sale agreement, AppliedMicro has agreed to a five-year non-compete in connection with the marketing and sale of active optical cables, transceivers, modules and related assemblies. The companies will share ownership of the associated active optical patent portfolio, allowing each company to continue development of the technologies, and forming the basis for the two companies to collaborate on next generation optical interconnect products and solutions.

AppliedMicro has been actively developing the technology platform for three years. The company's focus in its research and development efforts was to overcome the primary roadblocks to widespread adoption of high speed data interconnects: cost and complexity. 

George Jones, vice president of marketing and business development for connectivity solutions at AppliedMicro stated:  "We chose Volex to take the platform forward due to its strong focus on the active optical cable space and extensive customer relationships in data-centre markets. We look forward to working with Volex as it accelerates and furthers the development of the technology and manufacturing of an innovative product set to complement our own initiatives in semiconductor technology and networking."

The transaction supports Volex's entry into the emerging multi-billion dollar optical interconnect market for high-speed data applications in data centre and telecommunications, as well as the consumer, healthcare and industrial markets.

Ray Walsh, Volex CEO stated: "Our data-centre and telecommunications customers have been asking for a cost-effective high speed optical solution to replace legacy copper interconnects. The technology and expertise we have acquired from AppliedMicro will provide Volex with a unique platform to develop and deliver reliable, low-power, competitive active optical solutions, including active optical cables and transceivers, into all of our sectors. The joint ownership of the patent portfolio will provide a foundation for a continuing close cooperation with AppliedMicro in product development, sales and marketing activities."

About Volex

Volex designs and manufactures performance-driven interconnect solutions for customers in four market sectors: telecoms/datacoms, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial. Volex's core interconnect solutions encompass key technologies such as power cords, high-speed copper and fibre optics, radio-frequency (RF), low frequency (industry standard I/O), and complex cable harnesses. Volex has design and manufacturing facilities located across the globe, enabling flexibility in meeting customers' delivery timetables and price targets. www.volex.com.

About AppliedMicro

Applied Micro Circuits Corporation is a global leader in computing and connectivity solutions for next-generation cloud infrastructure and data centres. AppliedMicro delivers silicon solutions that dramatically lower total cost of ownership. Corporate headquarters are located in Sunnyvale, California. www.apm.com.

For more information, please contact:

AppliedMicro

Diane Orr        Public Relations                                             [phone]

Orr & Company

[e-mail]

Volex plc

Ray Walsh                  Group Chief Executive                      [phone]

Daniel Abrams           Group Finance Director                    [phone]

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements which are based on Volex's and AppliedMicro's expectations, intentions and projections regarding their respective future operating performance and objectives, anticipated events or trends and other matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by their use of a date in the future or such words as 'anticipates', 'aims', 'could', 'may', 'should', 'expects', 'believes', 'intends', 'plans', 'targets', 'goal' or 'estimates'. By their very nature forward-looking statements are inherently unpredictable, speculative and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by applicable law, Volex and AppliedMicro undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

END

 

 

NRAEAXFLFAFDEFF