Cisco snaps up UK mobile firm Ubiquisys

Vendor giant coughs up $310m for Swindon-based company in order to up its focus on its small-cell business

Cisco is looking to further bolster its mobile offerings with the $310m (£205m) buyout of UK 3G firm Ubiquisys.

The Swindon-based firm supplies service providers with 3G, long-term evaluation (LTE) and small-cell technologies, and is set to be integrated into the networking giant's Service Provider Mobility Group in Cisco's fourth fiscal quarter which begins at the start of next month.

The vendor claims the buyout will increase its focus on its small-cell business as well as accelerate its momentum and growth in the mobility market, adding that its recent purchase forms part of its buy, build and partner approach.

The firm recently spent $475m on Israeli self-optimising network (SON) firm Intucell, and also bought mobility management firm BroadHop for an undisclosed amount.

Kelly Ahuja, senior vice president and general manager at the Cisco Mobility Business Group, said its most recent buy will extend its leadership in the mobile space.

"By acquiring Ubiquisys, we are expanding on our current mobility leadership and our end-to-end product portfolio. For service providers, Ubiquisys supports cost-effective coverage and capacity that delivers a differentiated customer experience," he added.

The pending acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.