Avaya Acquires Nortel Enterprise Solutions

Avaya on Friday announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Nortel Enterprise Solutions (NES, not to be confused with the infamous gaming console) in a deal worth $900 million. Some analysts believe the sale will leapfrog Avaya ahead of Cisco in the enterprise telephony market.

"The completion of this acquisition represents another major step in Avaya's evolution and growth in the communications industry," said Kevin J. Kennedy, president and CEO, Avaya. "Avaya and Nortel Enterprise Solutions share a common vision for the future of business communications. By combining our complementary technology portfolios, deep industry specific domain expertise, sales channels and customer bases, the new Avaya will redefine business communications and help customers to reduce costs, simplify operations and increase their business agility."

Some 6,000 employees have joined Avaya as a result of the acquisition, including 25 high-level managers. Joel Hackney, who previously served as president at Nortel, will now serve as senior vice president of Avaya Executive Committee and President of Avaya Government Solutions and Data.