Keysight Technologies Completes Acquisition of Spirent Communications PLC, Strengthening Leadership in Test and Assurance Solutions
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Spirent Communications plc (LSE: SPT), a leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks, cybersecurity, and positioning. This landmark transaction marks a significant step forward in Keysight’s strategy to expand its capabilities and deliver greater value to customers in an increasingly complex and dynamic technology landscape.
A Strategic Milestone for Keysight
The acquisition underscores Keysight’s commitment to enhancing its portfolio by integrating Spirent’s innovative solutions with its own expertise in design, emulation, and testing. As Satish Dhanasekaran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Keysight, stated, “Today marks a milestone for Keysight as we officially welcome Spirent into our company. By combining Keysight’s leading design, emulation, and test expertise with Spirent’s strengths in satellite emulation, positioning, and network automation, we are expanding the breadth of our portfolio to better serve our customers. This acquisition accelerates our strategy and positions us to deliver even greater value in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
The integration of Spirent’s capabilities into Keysight’s ecosystem is expected to drive innovation and enable customers to address the challenges posed by next-generation technologies such as 5G, SD-WAN, cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles. Together, the combined entity will offer a more comprehensive suite of solutions that cater to the growing demands of industries at the forefront of technological advancement.
About Spirent Communications
Spirent Communications has long been recognized as a leader in automated test and assurance solutions, providing cutting-edge products, services, and managed solutions to help customers navigate the complexities of modern technology ecosystems. Its offerings span a wide range of applications, including network testing, cybersecurity validation, satellite positioning, and performance assurance for emerging technologies like autonomous systems and cloud-based infrastructures.
The aggregate transaction consideration totaled approximately £1.16 billion (around US $1.46 billion) on a fully diluted basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Spirent shareholders will receive 202.5 pence per share, consisting of 199 pence in cash and the previously paid special dividends of 3.5 pence per share.
Effective October 17, Spirent’s shares will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange, and its operations and financial results will now be integrated and reported within Keysight’s Communications Solutions Group. This move reflects Keysight’s strategic focus on consolidating its leadership in the communications and networking sectors.
Regulatory Approvals and Divestiture Commitments
The completion of this acquisition follows the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements outlined in prior announcements. Keysight and Spirent received clearances from key regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the UK Competition and Markets Authority, the French Ministry for the Economy, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in China.
In accordance with commitments made to the DOJ and SAMR, Keysight and Spirent have agreed to divest Spirent’s high-speed Ethernet, network security, and channel emulation business lines. This divestiture is intended to ensure compliance with competition regulations and is expected to be completed by October 16, 2025. These measures demonstrate Keysight’s dedication to maintaining a fair and competitive marketplace while advancing its strategic objectives.
Expanding Capabilities to Meet Evolving Customer Needs
The integration of Spirent’s solutions into Keysight’s portfolio enhances the company’s ability to address the growing demand for advanced testing and assurance tools. As industries continue to adopt transformative technologies like 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, the need for reliable, scalable, and secure testing frameworks has never been greater. By combining Spirent’s expertise in network automation and satellite positioning with Keysight’s leadership in design and emulation, the acquisition creates a powerful synergy that benefits customers across multiple sectors.
For example, Spirent’s strengths in satellite emulation and positioning complement Keysight’s existing capabilities in aerospace and defense, enabling the development of more robust solutions for applications such as GPS systems, satellite communications, and autonomous navigation. Similarly, Spirent’s network testing and cybersecurity solutions align seamlessly with Keysight’s focus on ensuring the reliability and security of next-generation networks.
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we deliver market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster and with less risk throughout the entire product lifecycle. Keysight serves customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets. Learn more at the Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
