Broadcom and network gear maker Brocade Communications Systems, have entered into an agreement under which Broadcom will acquire Brocade in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $5.5 billion, plus $0.4 billion of net debt.

 Broadcom expects to fund the transaction with new debt financing and cash available on its balance sheet. Broadcom, with the support of Brocade, plans to divest Brocade’s IP Networking business, consisting of wireless and campus networking, data center switching and routing, and software networking solutions.
 
“This strategic acquisition enhances Broadcom’s position as one of the leading providers of enterprise storage connectivity solutions to OEM customers,” stated Hock Tan, president and chief executive officer of Broadcom.

 “With deep expertise in mission-critical storage networking, Brocade increases our ability to address the evolving needs of our OEM customers. In addition, we are confident that we will find a great home for Brocade’s valuable IP networking business that will best position that business for its next phase of growth.”
 
“This transaction represents significant value for our shareholders, who will receive a 47% premium from the Brocade closing share price on October 28, and creates new opportunities for our customers and partners,” said Lloyd Carney, chief executive officer of Brocade.

“Our best-in-class FC SAN solutions will help Broadcom create one of the industry’s broadest portfolios for enterprise storage. We will work with Broadcom as it seeks to find a buyer for our IP Networking business which includes a full portfolio of open, hardware and software-based solutions spanning the core of the data center to the network edge.”
 
Upon closing, the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Broadcom’s non-GAAP free cash flow and earnings per share. Broadcom currently anticipates that Brocade’s FC SAN business will contribute approximately $900 million of pro forma non-GAAP EBITDA in its fiscal year 2018.
 
The board of directors of Brocade and the Executive Committee of the board of directors of Broadcom have unanimously approved the transaction, which is presently expected to close in the second half of Broadcom’s fiscal year 2017 which commenced on October 31, 2016, subject to regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions, customary closing conditions as well as the approval of Brocade’s stockholders.

The closing of the transaction is not subject to any financing conditions, nor is it conditioned on the divestiture of Brocade’s IP Networking business, a company statement said. – TradeArabia News Service