Kana blog

Juniper to buy Trapeze, steps up fight versus Cisco

*NEW YORK (Reuters) – Network equipment maker Juniper Networks Inc (JNPR.N) plans to buy Trapeze Networks, a wireless technology unit of Belden Inc (BDC.N), for about $152 million, stepping up its fight against bigger rival Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O).

The all-cash deal is aimed at expanding Juniper's expertise in wireless networking and boosting its position among business clients, the companies said on Tuesday. They expect the deal to close in the fourth quarter.

Trapeze specializes in wireless local area network. or WLAN, systems, which help users connect to the Internet from various wireless devices.

Juniper competes against Cisco in selling networking equipment to corporations. Its other rivals are also consolidating in an effort to offer clients broader product portfolios.

(Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)