Cisco Buys Small Cell Maker Ubiquisys

Cisco is continuing its recent trend of acquiring mobile technology vendors by purchasing UK-based Ubiquisys for $310 million. Ubiquisys makes femtocells and other small cells, hardware that can boost the range of wireless signals.

TechCrunch’s Ingrid Lunden reported, “Cisco has just announced that it is buying UK-based Ubiquisys for $310 million to beef up its business in femtocells and small cells, technologies that help improve connectivity on mobile data networks indoors and short-range outdoor spaces. The deal is one of the biggest exits in European tech in the last several years. Cisco says the $310 million figure is a combination of cash and employee retention incentives. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013.”

VentureBeat’s Sean Ludwig noted, “Ubiquisys sells various femtocells and small cells that help boost 3G and LTE reception in residential and business buildings, so it will help Cisco make further inroads with mobile carriers, consumers, and enterprises. The company believes that the Ubiquisys buy will complement its recent purchases of mobile-focused startups BroadHop and Intucell.”

The Wall Street Journal quoted Cisco’s Kelly Ahuja who said, “Cisco is ‘doubling down’ on its small cell business to accelerate strong momentum and growth in the mobility market.”

Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s Lisa Rapaport added, “In addition to small cell-technology, Ubiquisys also gives Cisco software for managing 3G and long-term evolution, or LTE, wireless networks.”