Keymile sells mission critical unit to ABB, will focus on broadband systems
Germany's Keymile Group has sold its mission critical data transmission business unit to ABB Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, other than it is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. The sale enables KEYMILE to focus on supplying systems for broadband access networks.
A self-described "medium-sized company with a longstanding tradition," Keymile formed in 2002 as a result of a merger among three technology companies from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (see "Keymile launches to target telecoms access market"). The company's product line includes systems for both copper-based and fiber access networks (see, for example, "KEYMILE to debut GPON line at Broadband World Forum" and "Energie Wasser Bern taps Keymile for Swiss FTTH deployment"). The former activities include VDSL/vectoring- and G.fast platforms. Keymile's portfolio also includes the MileGate IP-MSAN platform, which support Ethernet, IP, TDM, and SDH/PDH transmission.
Keymile says the sale of the mission critical unit will enable it to focus research and development on the broadband market. The company says it will look to expand its portfolio and add new technologies, with a "special focus" on passive optical networks (PONs).
From the ABB side, its new assets and 120 employees will become part of the Grid Automation business unit of ABB's Power Grids division. "ABB is a global leader in communication networks for utility customers. The acquisition of Keymile's mission-critical communication business will strengthen this position and extend our market reach in the industrial, transportation, and infrastructure sectors," said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB's Power Grids division. "This move supports our growth plans and digitalization push as part of our ABB Ability offering, as we strengthen our position as the partner of choice in enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid."
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
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