Polycom buys SpectraLink

Videoconferencing giant makes its first moves into the wirelss telephony market

Audio and videoconferencing manufacturer Polycom is poised to enter the wireless telephony arena after inking a $220m agreement to buy NASDAQ-listed vendor SpectraLink.

US-based Polycom claimed the acquisition, which is expected to close in the second quarter, will extend its IP-based collaboration solution into the mobility space.

Robert Hagerty, chief executive of Polycom, said: “Our customers are demanding wireless solutions in the enterprise and in the vertical markets we serve.”

He claimed the move would position Polycom as the only independent provider of both fixed and mobile voice, video and data collaboration solutions for the desktop, the meeting room and individuals.

John Elms, chief executive of SpectraLink, said: “Our management team here at SpectraLink is delighted with the opportunity to drive growth with Polycom as we launch our unified solution.”

SpectraLink’s fourth quarter turnover to the end of December declined seven per cent to $37.5m.