Marlin Equity Partners announced plans to integrate the majority of Tellabs into its new Coriant optical transport company, while spinning off the access product line of Tellabs into an independent company. Marlin's acquisition of Tellabs was completed in December.
Tellabs currently supplies packet-optical, mobile backhaul and Optical LAN networking solutions to telecom service providers, independent operating companies, MSO/cable companies, enterprises and government agencies. Under this plan, the optical LAN product line will be spun out into Tellabs Access, which will also continue to provide residential access products to service providers. Mike Dagenais has been named President and CEO of Tellabs Access business. Previously, Dagenais served as CEO of Radisys Corporation and as president and CEO of Continuous Computing. He also served as president and CEO of Optical Solutions, Inc. and president and COO of Convergent Networks.
Coriant gains Tellab's packet-optical and mobiel backhaul businesses. Marlin has appointed Bob Leggett as Chairman of the Coriant Board, Pat DiPietro as CEO and Herbert Merz as President and Chief Operating Officer of the unified organization. Dan Kelly will step down Tellabs’ President and CEO.
“From mobile cell sites to mission-critical enterprises and cloud data centers, the demand for agile broadband connectivity is fundamentally reshaping network and service requirements. The combined technical expertise and complementary product portfolios will significantly strengthen Coriant’s ability to deliver high-value end-to-end solutions to service providers, while accelerating Coriant’s leadership in software-defined networking, programmability, and automation for next-generation transport networks," stated Pat DiPietro, Chief Executive Officer, Coriant.
“With deep customer relationships and a strong portfolio of access solutions to build upon, Marlin is fully committed to the success of the Tellabs Access business. The OLAN business requires focus on distinct channels and this separation positions Tellabs Access for continued rapid growth in this sector,” said Doug Bayerd, a principal at Marlin. “We are pleased to have a seasoned executive with deep industry knowledge and expertise in the leadership position of Tellabs Access. We look forward to partnering with Mike and his leadership team as the company strengthens the long-term value proposition for its customers.”
