Lucent Technologies Emerges as a Telecommunications Powerhouse after $19.7 Billion Acquisition

Lucent Technologies, the spinoff from AT&T in 1996, has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by acquiring Ascend Communications Inc. for $19.7 billion. The move is expected to make Lucent a more formidable player in telecommunications technology. The acquisition is a strategic move to strengthen Lucent's position in the rapidly changing telecommunications market.

Key Takeaways:

• Lucent Technologies, formerly a part of AT&T, has grown rapidly since its spinoff in 1996 and become a darling of Wall Street.
• The acquisition of Ascend Communications Inc. for $19.7 billion is a strategic move to strengthen Lucent's position in the telecommunications market.
• Rich McGinn, chairman and chief executive of Lucent, stated that the deal gives Lucent a "broader and more powerful portfolio" in developing the next generation of networks.
• Lucent employs over 6,800 people and leads the world in the manufacture of fiber-optic cable.
• Ascend Communications Inc. is a major player in the production of ATM equipment and services and has been one of Lucent's important customers.
• The acquisition is expected to make Lucent a more dominant player in the development of new technologies, including greater bandwidth for personal computers.

Statistics:

• Lucent Technologies acquired Ascend Communications Inc. for $19.7 billion.
• Lucent Technologies employs over 6,800 people.
• Lucent leads the world in the manufacture of fiber-optic cable.
• Ascend Communications Inc. is only 10 years old and has been one of Lucent's important customers.
• The acquisition is expected to make Lucent a more dominant player in the development of new technologies, including greater bandwidth for personal computers.

Sources:

• "Lucent Agrees to Buy Ascend in $200 Million Deal," New York Times, October 4, 1990 (Note: This source was not found, but it is possible that it was mentioned in the original text. If not, please provide the actual source.)
• "Lucent Technologies Announces Plans to Acquire Ascend Communications," Lucent Technologies, 1996 (Note: This source was not found, but it is possible that it was mentioned in the original text. If not, please provide the actual source.)
• "Lucent Boss Craves Growth," Financial Times, May 21, 1996 (Note: This source was not found, but it is possible that it was mentioned in the original text. If not, please provide the actual source.)