Following the agreement for Infineon Technologies to sell its Wireline Communications Division (WLC) to the private equity investor Golden Gate Capital, the two companies have announced that the new standalone company will become LANTIQ. The deal is expected to close in fall 2009, at which time LANTIQ will assume all the products, projects and locations of the present WLC.
After completion of the deal, LANTIQ will employ 900 people at 14 sites in the Asia-Pacific region, North America and Europe. To be headquartered in Neubiberg, Germany, the company will offer a broadband communication portfolio encompassing analog, digital and mixed-signal ICs along with comprehensive software suites, enabling system manufacturers to design high-speed data and telecommunication systems solutions for broadband access and customer premises equipment.
The newly formed company will be among the Top 15 fabless semiconductor companies worldwide and be a one-stop solution provider for the wireline communication and broadband access markets. It will offer a complete DSL end-to-end portfolio and have the ability to integrate DSL, VoIP and home connectivity into complex SOCs. LANTIQ will build on a strong foundation of more than 20 years in the industry, and will continue to drive innovation and integration in the telecommunications network, working with the leading players around the world to develop next-generation networks.
“During the last few years we have gained a very strong position and significant momentum in the wireline market, based on our broad and innovative product portfolio,” said Christian Wolff, who is designated to be the CEO of LANTIQ. “We are fully committed to the Wireline communications market and we see a tremendous opportunity in the market for IPTV, home networking and next-generation IP-based networks.”
John Knoll, Managing Director at Golden Gate Capital, added, “WLC, and in the future LANTIQ, is a very exciting company representing an attractive investment opportunity for GGC. We are especially impressed with the leadership and integrity of the senior management team as well as the capabilities of the entire employee base. The people, technologies, and customer relationships make LANTIQ an attractive platform for us.”