Lucent Expands Through Acquisition of Excel Switching Corp.

Lucent Technologies Inc. has agreed to acquire Excel Switching Corp. in a deal worth $1.7 billion in Lucent stock, marking the company's third acquisition in the past two weeks and its 11th this year. The acquisition aims to tap into smaller phone companies emerging to compete with established providers like AT&T and Bell Atlantic Corp. As part of the deal, Lucent will integrate Excel's switching technology, enhancing its capabilities in the telecommunications industry. Some analysts question whether Lucent is taking on too much with this and other recent acquisitions.

Key Takeaways:

• Lucent Technologies Inc. is acquiring Excel Switching Corp. for $1.7 billion in Lucent stock.
• The acquisition marks Lucent's 11th acquisition this year and its third in the past two weeks.
• Lucent aims to tap into smaller phone companies emerging to compete with established providers like AT&T and Bell Atlantic Corp.
• Excel Switching Corp. provides switching technology that Lucent will integrate to enhance its capabilities.
• Some analysts are questioning whether Lucent is taking on too much with this and other recent acquisitions, including 11 in the same year.

Statistics:

• $1.7 billion: Worth of Lucent stock to be paid for Excel Switching Corp.
• 11: Number of acquisitions Lucent has made this year.
• 3: Number of acquisitions Lucent has made in the past two weeks.
• 2: Number of new Caribbean destinations Delta Air Lines will add.
• 1: Number of Caribbean destination Delta Air Lines will discontinue.
• $10 million: Minimum damages Premiere Technologies is seeking from MCI WorldCom Inc.

Sources:

• Lucent Technologies Inc.
• Excel Switching Corp.
• Dow Jones News Service