Sale rumours fly over Avaya

Host of names reputed to be circling IP telephony firm

The convergence channel is bracing itself for a major shake-up as speculation gathers over the ownership of IP telephony giant Avaya.

The vendor postponed its annual Wall Street analysts’ meeting last week, sparking rumours that either Cisco, Nortel or private equity firm Silver Lake partners could be poised to launch a takeover offer.

Paul Blundell, managing director at Avaya reseller iQual, said: “Our biggest concern is the uncertainty this could cause, and whether Avaya’s competitors will use these rumours against it.”

Avaya declined to comment.

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