In Triple-Play Bid, Comverse Buys Netcentrex For $180 Million

Comverse has made a bid to become a big player in the VoIP, "triple-play" and converged network market by announcing it is purchasing Netcentrex for approximately $180 million.

Comverse provides network-based multimedia communications and billing services for communication and content providers. Netcentrex develops triple play and fixed-mobile convergence solutions for service providers who server both enterprises and consumer.

Comverse made the acquisition based on the expected growth of VoIP and related services over the next several years. "We believe VoIP, FMC and IMS-based communication services are poised to grow in the coming years," Comverse Technology chairman and CEO Kobi Alexander said in a statement. He added, "Together, the two companies offer a broad portfolio that enables converged voice-video-data solutions, serving wireless, fixed, cable, MVNO and Internet-based communication service providers."

The acquisition is expected to close by July 1, 2006