ADC Telecommunications

Last updated
ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
Company type Public
Nasdaq: ADCT
Industry Communications Services
Founded1935;89 years ago (1935), in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Defunct2010 (2010) (acquisition completed)
FateAcquired
Successor CommScope
Headquarters Harrisburg, Pennsylvania U.S.
Key people
Eddie Edwards (president/CEO, CommScope)
Products Networking hardware, Wireless Coverage & Capacity, Telecommunications
RevenueIncrease2.svg US$1.157 Billion (FY 2010) [1]
Increase2.svg US$45.9 Million (FY 2010) [1]
Increase2.svg US$78.5 Million (FY 2010) [1]
Total assets Increase2.svg US$1.475 Billion (FY 2010) [1]
Total equity Increase2.svg US$429 Million (FY 2010) [1]
Number of employees
9,300 (Sept 2010) [1]
Website adc.com

ADC Telecommunications, Inc. was a communications company in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a southwest suburb of Minneapolis. It was acquired by TE Connectivity (Tyco Electronics) in December 2010 and ceased to exist as a separate entity. ADC products were sold by CommScope after it acquired the Broadband Network Solutions business unit (including ADC) from TE Connectivity in August 2015.

Contents

History

ADC Telecommunications was founded in 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Ralph Allison and Walter Lehnert. [2] [3]

During their first year in business, ADC built hearing aids and audiometers—a machine used for evaluating hearing acuity. Initially the audiometers were built for Maico, but in 1945 ADC began building audiometers under its own name. Additionally, by 1942, the company had designed a sophisticated audio system for the University of Minnesota, and the resulting jacks, plugs, patch cords and jackfields became the cornerstones for ADC's later entry into telecommunications.

In 1949, ADC sold its audiometer product line and Ralph Allison left the company to form a new business in California. With Walter Lehnert remaining as president of the company, ADC diversified and focused its efforts in the area of transformers and filters for power lines, military electronics, telephone jacks and plugs. [4]

In 1961, ADC merged with Magnetic Controls Company, a manufacturer of power supplies and magnetic amplifiers with strong ties to the U.S. space program. The resulting company, ADC Magnetic Controls, had a decade of mixed success. Although transformer sales boomed during the 1960s, other new product initiatives failed to materialize. Perhaps the most significant product innovation during this period was the bantam jack, a miniaturized component that eventually became the standard for telephone circuit access and patching. Building on its growing sales of jacks and plugs in the early 1970s, ADC introduced prewired, connectorized jackfields, wired assemblies and test equipment for telephone operating companies. By 1974 the company was on solid ground, and by 1976, ADC had become the largest independent supplier of test boards in the United States.

Former ADC headquarters complex in Eden Prairie, MN, USA. Now occupied by Optum Health ADC Telecommunications Headquarters.jpg
Former ADC headquarters complex in Eden Prairie, MN, USA. Now occupied by Optum Health

ADC grew in 1983, when AT&T was ordered to deregulate by the federal government. By establishing the seven Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC) carriers as independent entities, the U.S. market for telecommunications expanded by 90 percent. ADC became a supplier for the RBOCs.

ADC embarked on some acquisitions in the early 1990s, attempting to move "up the stack" in the datacom field by acquiring companies that manufactured datacom equipment. However, their ability to find synergies between these companies proved limited and eventually ADC was forced to move away from a hardware-only strategy, broadening out into software. This effort resulted in limited success as well, and happening about the same time as the dot-com bubble burst, caused ADC stock to plummet.

ADC acquired PairGain Technologies Inc. for 1.6 billion USD in stocks in 2000. [5]

ADC Telecommunications was acquired by Tyco Electronics in July 2010 for a reported $12.75 per share in cash, or an enterprise value of approximately $1.25 billion. [6]

The acquisition of ADC by TE Connectivity was completed on December 9, 2010 [7] [8]

On January 28, 2015, it was publicly announced that the boards of directors of both TE Connectivity and CommScope agreed for CommScope to purchase the Broadband Network Solutions business unit of TE Connectivity in an all-cash deal for US$3.0 billion. The former ADC is a part of this business unit. [9] [10] [11] [12] The purchase of the Broadband Network Solutions business was closed on Aug 31. 2015 [13]

Corporate acquisitions

The company acquired Telinq in 1990. [14] In 1993, ADC acquired Fibermux Corp., a manufacturer of LAN Hubs and Data Multiplexers, later merging the Fibermux division with the Kentrox subsidiary. ADC sold Kentrox to the private equity firm Platinum Equity, LLC in 2001. [15] ADC also acquired American Lightwave Systems, a manufacturer of uncompressed video transport equipment for telecom carriers. This division was later sold to C-COR Electronics.

In 1996, ADCT merged with ITS (Information Transmission Systems) but has since sold it off.

In May 1997, ADC Telecommunications signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Apex Group Inc., for approximately $26 million. [16]

In 1999, the company acquired Saville. [17] A year later, in May 2000, ADC purchased the Swedish-based company Altitun. [18]

ADC acquired KRONE, a supplier of copper and fiber-based connectivity products and services, in 2004. [19]

In 2005, ADC acquired Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) to expand its FTTX offerings and OpenCell to enhance its wireless coverage and capacity offerings. [20]

G-Connect was acquired by ADC Technologies in 2006 for an undisclosed amount. [21]

In 2007 ADC acquired LGC Wireless to expand its portfolio of wireless coverage and capacity products and services. [22] In 2008, ADC expanded its market presence and manufacturing capacity in China with the acquisition of Century Man Communications. [23]

Businesses

ADC's customers were served regionally by businesses focused on telecommunications, wireless, cable, and enterprise networks. Business units within ADC developing products and services included Global Connectivity Solutions, Network Solutions and Professional Services.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyco International</span> Irish-American company

Tyco International plc was a security systems company incorporated in the Republic of Ireland, with operational headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. Tyco International was composed of two major business segments: security solutions and fire protection.

Amphenol Corporation is an American producer of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cable and interconnect systems such as coaxial cables. Amphenol is a portmanteau from the corporation's original name, American Phenolic Corp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SK Broadband</span> Seoul-based telecommunications company

SK Broadband, Inc. KRX: 033630, formerly known as Hanaro Telecom, is a Seoul-based telecommunications company and a wholly owned subsidiary of SK Telecom. It is one of the largest broadband Internet access providers in South Korea. Until its takeover in 2008, Hanaro controlled nearly half of the Korean landline market, as it was the only last mile-competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) other than the state-owned KT Corp. SK Broadband also has a division known as "Broad &" that controls a large portion of the South Korean calling card market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fastweb (telecommunications company)</span> Italian telecommunications company

FASTWEB S.p.A. is an Italian telecommunications company that provides fixed and mobile telephony, broadband Internet and IPTV services. It is also one of the prominent companies in Italy providing FTTH connections, and is a subsidiary of the Swiss telecommunication company Swisscom AG.

Spirent Communications plc is a British multinational telecommunications testing company headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, in the United Kingdom. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Arris International Limited is an American telecommunications equipment company engaged in data, video and telephony systems for homes and businesses. On April 4, 2019, Arris was acquired by network infrastructure provider CommScope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Windstream Holdings</span> Provider of voice and data network communications

Windstream Holdings, Inc., also doing business as Windstream Communications is a provider of voice and data network communications, and managed services, to businesses in the United States. The company also offers residential broadband, phone and digital streaming TV services to consumers within its coverage area. It is the ninth largest residential telephone provider in the country with service covering more than 8.1 million people in 21 states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sierra Wireless</span> Canadian wireless communications company

Sierra Wireless is a Canadian multinational wireless communications equipment designer, manufacturer and services provider headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It also maintains offices and operations in the United States, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, India, France, Australia and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TE Connectivity</span> Irish-domiciled technology company

TE Connectivity plc is an American-Irish domiciled technology company that designs and manufactures electrical and electronic components. It serves several industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, and energy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alvarion</span>

Alvarion Technologies Ltd. is a global provider of autonomous Wi-Fi networks designed with self-organizing capabilities for carrier-grade Wi-Fi, enterprise connectivity, smart city planning, smart hospitality, connected campuses, and connected events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Corporation</span> Manufacturer of hardware for communications networks

Andrew Corporation, a former hardware manufacturer for communications networks, was founded by Victor J. Andrew in the basement of his Chicago, Illinois home in 1937, and further established in Orland Park, Illinois in 1953. Andrew was a renowned global telecommunications company that played a significant role in the development of wireless communication technologies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CommScope</span> American network infrastructure manufacturer

CommScope Holding Company, Inc. is an American network infrastructure provider based in Claremont, North Carolina. CommScope employs over 22,000 employees. The company joined the Nasdaq stock exchange on October 25, 2013.

Lumen Technologies, Inc. is an American telecommunications company headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, which offers communications, network services, security, cloud solutions, voice and managed services through its fiber optic and copper networks, as well as its data centers and cloud computing services. The company has been included in the S&P 600 index since being removed from the S&P 500 in March 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krone LSA-PLUS</span>

Krone LSA-PLUS is an insulation-displacement connector for telecommunications. It is a proprietary European alternative to 110 block. The Krone LSA-PLUS system is not limited to telecommunications, as it is also popular in broadcast systems, where audio interconnections and their associated control systems often use krone wiring. Multipair audio cables have been specifically designed for the system by organisations such as the BBC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MACOM Technology Solutions</span> American semiconductor manufacturer

MACOM Technology Solutions, Inc. is a developer and producer of radio, microwave, and millimeter wave semiconductor devices and components. The company is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, and in 2005 was Lowell's largest private employer. MACOM is certified to the ISO 9001 international quality standard and ISO 14001 environmental standard. The company has design centers and sales offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruckus Networks</span> Networking equipment brand

RUCKUS Networks is a brand of wired and wireless networking equipment and software owned by CommScope. Ruckus offers switches, Wi-Fi access points, CBRS access points, controllers, management systems, cloud management, AAA/BYOD software, AI and ML analytics software, location software and IoT controller software products to mobile carriers, broadband service providers, and corporate enterprises. As a company, Ruckus invented and has patented wireless voice, video, and data technology, such as adaptive antenna arrays that extend signal range, increase data rates, and avoid interference, providing distribution of delay-sensitive content over standard 802.11 Wi-Fi.

ip.access

ip.access Limited is a multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets small cells technologies and infrastructure equipment for GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, 4G and 5G. The company was acquired by Mavenir in September 2020.

Telrad Networks Ltd. is a UK headquartered company focused on 4G telecommunications.

Global Capacity is a Waltham, Massachusetts-based provider of telecommunications Connectivity-as-a-Service including Carrier Ethernet, used by companies for Internet access and WAN connectivity. Network services are offered using the company's One Marketplace hub, which aggregates the access and pricing information for broadband telecommunications services, including MPLS VPN, Ethernet over copper and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). The company buys and combines multiple high-speed network connections and then resells multiple lower-speed connections to customers. The company also manages and updates LATTIS, a proprietary database of telecom pricing information.

Cellnex Telecom is a Spanish wireless telecommunications infrastructure and services company with up to 135,000 sites -including forecast roll-outs up to 2030- throughout Europe. Its activity is divided into four main areas: services for telecommunications infrastructures; audiovisual broadcasting networks; security and emergency network services; and solutions for the intelligent management of urban infrastructures and services.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "ADC Telecommunications, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Nov 23, 2010" (PDF). secdatabase.com. Retrieved Dec 30, 2012.
  2. ↑ "A 21st-Century Workplace: ADC Telecommunications Global Headquarters by Hammel, Green & Abrahamson (HGA)". archnewsnow.com. 18 February 2003. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  3. ↑ Letter from Walter Lehnert to Fred Chapman (Sept. 18, 1950).
  4. ↑ W.E. Lehnert to Address Section December 12th, SCOPE Radio Engineers (Dec. 1950).
  5. ↑ Huffstutter, P. j; Fields, Robin (2000-02-24). "PairGain Agrees to Be Acquired by Rival ADC Telecom". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2024-11-09.
  6. ↑ Kelly, Gennine (13 July 2010). "Tyco's $1.25 Billion Acquisition of ADC Telecom". CNBC. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  7. ↑ "Press Release:Tyco Electronics Completes Acquisition of ADC" . Retrieved 2010-12-09.
  8. ↑ "ADC Telecommunications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date December 9, 2010". secdatabase.com. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Commscope buys TE's broadband network unit for $3Bn". 2 February 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  10. ↑ "CommScope to Buy TE Connectivity Unit for $3 Billion". 28 January 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  11. ↑ "CommScope Agrees To Acquire TE Connectivity's Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless Businesses" . Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  12. ↑ "TE Connectivity Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Its Broadband Network Solutions Business to CommScope for $3.0 Billion" . Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  13. ↑ "CommScope Completes Transformational Acquisition of TE Connectivity's Telecom, Enterprise and Wireless Businesses". commscope.com. Retrieved Dec 24, 2015.
  14. ↑ "ADC Telecommunications Acquires Telinq | Mergr M&A Deal Summary". mergr.com. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  15. ↑ "ADC sells off wireless and access divisions". Archived from the original on 2015-02-08. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
  16. ↑ "adc Telecommunications Inc., Minneapolis, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Apex". Lightwave. 1997-05-01. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  17. ↑ "ADC BUYS SAVILLE | RCR Wireless News". 1999-06-28. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
  18. ↑ "Kennet Capital portfolio company, Altitun, acquired by ADC Telecommunications for $872 million". Kennet. 2000-05-19. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
  19. ↑ "ADC Buys KRONE". Light Reading. 18 May 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  20. ↑ "ADC Telecommunications, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Jan 17, 2006". secdatabase.com. Retrieved Dec 30, 2012.
  21. ↑ "ADC Telecommunications gobbles Israel's G-Connect". EE Times. 2006-02-27. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  22. ↑ "ADC to acquire LGC Wireless". Cabling Installation & Maintenance. 2007-10-24. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
  23. ↑ "ADC Telecommunications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Nov 16, 2007" (PDF). secdatabase.com. Retrieved Dec 30, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.