Belden to acquire GarrettCom and Thomas & Betts communications products

Belden Inc has reached an agreement to acquire GarrettCom, manufacturer of industrial networking IP-based switches and routers for US$52 million and the Thomas & Betts Communications Products Business for US$78 million. Both will be funded from cash on hand subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Adam Callender, Belden's Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said with GarrettCom providing advanced industrial networking products and smart grid solutions, the acquisition extends Belden's position as an industrial networking solutions provider by adding a recognised leader in industrial-grade switches, routers, converters, serial communications and security software.

GarrettCom's hardened networking products complement Belden’s existing portfolio of Hirschmann brand high-availability industrial networking solutions and will enable Belden to address the growing needs of customers across a more diverse set of end-market applications. GarrettCom's products are sold into power utilities, surveillance and security, transportation, specialty industrial automation, telecommunications and similar demanding harsh-environment verticals.

"Belden's strategic vision is to provide the best industrial networking solutions to our customers regardless of application or environment," Callender said.

The Thomas & Betts acquisition will further strengthen Belden's position as an end-to-end solution provider within the broadband/CATV, security and audio/video markets. It includes Snap-N-Seal drop connectors, LRC hardline connectors, Diamond hardware & grounding products, and telecom enclosures and connectors, including the Kold-N-Klose enclosure system.

"By adding these established brands and market-leading RF connectors to its extensive portfolio of audio, video and security cables, Belden will expand its end-to-end solution offering and leverage its existing channels," said Callender.