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Murray Hill, NJ. Like a muzzled shark in a tank full of fish, Lucent has been biding its time. But the wait is just about over.
Come Oct. 1, the company will be released from its accounting shackles and free to wield its considerable corporate assets to gobble up companies that will fill holes in Lucent's data network product line (see page 63). Lucent has an overall value of nearly $100 billion, with some $1 billion cash in pocket.
The flat-out favorite to top Lucent's shopping list: Ascend Communications. Other possibilities include 3Com, Cabletron, Nokia and Newbridge Networks.
Experts say Lucent could use some help filling out its ATM wares and network management capabilities.
It could also use products that would provide quick entry into the hot carrier and ISP data network markets. Time is of the essence because competitors, notably Cisco, have well-established accounts with those types of customers. And service providers are licking their chops over a $2 bil
See Lucent, page 63 lion demand for virtual private network (VPN) services that Lucent cannot provision yet, according to Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corp, a technology assessment firm in Voorhees, NJ.
All Lucent CEO Rich McGinn will say about acquisitions is that the company is interested in boosting its presence in data networks, wireless technology and optical networks. Lucent will get what it needs any way it can, through research and development, alliances and acquisitions, he says.
While Lucent...