In a $2.3 billion deal, Nokia will acquire Infinera Corp, the firm announced recently. The Finnish company wants to grow its optical network business, particularly in the North American market. Infinera’s stock increased by around 22%. The $6.65 per share sale price is 26.4% higher than Infinera’s Thursday closing price of $5.26.
Nokia will give Infinera at least 70% in cash. According to a statement from the firms, Infinera’s shareholders have the option to receive up to 30% of the total payment in the form of American Depositary Shares of Nokia.
It is anticipated that the transaction will increase revenues by over 10% by 2027 and increase Helsinki-based Nokia’s comparable earnings per share in the first year after completion. Infinera, a San Jose, California-based company, manufactures networking hardware and optical semiconductors for fixed and mobile broadband networks.
The CEO and President of Nokia, Pekka Lundmark, stated that Nokia increased its organic investment in optical networks in 2021 with the goal of enhancing competitiveness.Improved client awareness, robust sales growth, and higher profitability have resulted from that wise choice. To increase Nokia’s size in optical networks even more, the company thinks now is the ideal moment to make a strong inorganic move.
Similarly, CEO of Infinera, David Heard, said that they are extremely thrilled about the value this combination will bring to its international customers. At a time when optics are more crucial than ever, Infinera thinks Nokia is a terrific partner. Together, their combined scale and resources will allow them to drive innovation and quickly adapt to the ever-changing demands of their customers.
Optical network to scale up steadily
Infrared and optical signals can be used for high-speed communication using an optical network. Long-distance national, international, and transoceanic networks are included, as well as restricted range Local-Area-Network (LAN) and Wide-Area-Network (WAN) networks that span metropolitan and regional areas.Large volumes of data are sent across fiber-optic cables using wave division multiplexing, optical amplifiers, and lasers or LEDs in this sort of optical communication. Because of its high bandwidth, it is an enabling technology for the internet and telecommunication networks, which send the majority of machine-to-machine data. The demand for high bandwidth, the expansion of data centers, and rising disposable income are propelling the growth of the global optical networking and communication market. VMR found that the market will touch USD 32.24 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.58%.
Furthermore, the use of light signals to transmit data across optical fibers is referred to as optical networking and communication. It is a technology that serves as the foundation of contemporary telecommunications networks, enabling fast and long-distance data transfer. Optical fiber, multiplexers, demultiplexers, amplifiers, switches, optical transceivers, and routers are some of its constituent parts. The global optical communication and networking market is expanding faster than expected due to factors including rising internet traffic and bandwidth requirements, the quick adoption of 5G technology, and the rise of data centers, among other things. The market is expected to stand at USD 37.12 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 8.1%, as highlighted by VMR.
Rising demand for improved connectivity
Optical connectivity, encompassing fiber optics and related technologies, is crucial for supporting modern communication networks, including 5G, cloud computing, and IoT applications. The global optical connectivity solutions market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for high-speed internet and data transmission. Key factors fueling this market include increasing data traffic, the proliferation of smart devices, and advancements in fiber optic technology. The market is expected to grow faster and reach a significant position in the forecast period.
In particular in emerging nations, there is a growing need for high bandwidth connectivity and data transfer services due to the rising demand for internet services. One technology that deals with moving information from one location to another is fiber optics. Optical fibers are the channel via which information is received and delivered. A long fiber, often constructed of glass or plastic, is used in optical fiber technology, which transmits data via light pulses.
The development of communication networking brought about by technological improvement has increased demand for fiber optics. VMR stated that the global fiber optic market is expected to reach USD 11.66 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 10.1%.
VMR’s standpoint
Nokia’s and Infinera’s acquisitions in the optical network space highlight the ongoing consolidation and innovation within the telecommunications industry. These strategic moves are aimed at enhancing their technological capabilities, expanding their market reach, and positioning themselves as leaders in the rapidly evolving optical connectivity market. By integrating advanced technologies and expanding their product portfolios, both companies are better equipped to meet the growing demands for high-speed, high-capacity communication networks essential for 5G, cloud services, and IoT applications.
