ProCurve and Colubris plan WLAN wedding

HP's networking wing to march niche wireless LAN vendor down the aisle

Consolidation of the wireless LAN arena continues apace with HP ProCurve agreeing to acquire Colubris Networks for an undisclosed sum.

ProCurve parent HP claimed the move will expand the division's presence in the hospitality, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, service provider and education verticals.

The acquisition follows on from Trapeze Networks' sale to cabling giant Belden in June and July’s acquisition by Motorola of AirDefence.

Marius Haas, senior vice president and general manager, HP ProCurve."The acquisition of Colubris Networks will strengthen ProCurve's hardware, management platform and services, significantly improving the overall performance capabilities of both wired and wireless networks, and will deliver even more best-in-class choices for our customers worldwide.

“With our vision and continued support from HP leadership, I am convinced that ProCurve's impressive growth and market leadership is unlimited."

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of HP's fiscal 2008.