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Cisco Systems to acquire Scientific-Atlanta for $ 6.9 billion
MUMBAI: Cisco Systems, Inc., and Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., today announced a definitive agreement for Cisco to acquire Scientific-Atlanta for $ 6.9 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay $43 per share in cash in exchange for each share of Scientific-Atlanta, and assume outstanding options, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $6.9 billion, or approximately $ 5.3 billion net of Scientific-Atlanta’s existing cash balance.
Scientific-Atlanta is a global provider of set-top boxes (STBs), end-to-end video distribution networks and video system integration. The combined entity creates a major end-to-end triple play solution for carrier networks and the digital home.
The deal will set the ground for Cisco’s foray into the US cable sector. The company already has a strong foothold in the cable television market and is expected to use the Scientific-Atlanta expertise to sell digital television equipment that provides high-definition programming; shows and movies on demand; and an array of interactive services.
In addition, upon closure, the market opportunities represented by this acquisition will become part of Cisco’s Advanced Technology portfolio.
“Video is emerging as the key strategic application in the service provider triple play bundle of consumer entertainment, communication and online services. The combination of Cisco and Scientific-Atlanta brings unmatched experience and innovation in delivering large scale video systems and networks, and the addition of Scientific-Atlanta further extends Cisco’s commitment to and leadership in the service provider market. Moreover, Cisco’s international presence and IP leadership will also create strategic synergies that accelerate the combined growth opportunity,” said Cisco Systems president and CEO John Chambers.
The transaction will be accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the acquisition of Scientific-Atlanta is expected to close in the third quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2006.
Cisco anticipates this transaction will be neutral to its FY2006 earnings, slightly accretive to its non-GAAP (pro forma) FY2007 earnings, and will be financed with a combination of cash and debt.
The acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to various standard closing conditions, including approval under Hart Scott Rodino and similar laws outside the US and by the shareholders of Scientific-Atlanta.
Chambers added, “As consumers demand more sophisticated information and entertainment services in their home, tightly coupled applications, devices and networks will be essential. The collective strength of Linksys and Scientific-Atlanta will extend Cisco’s leadership position across the entire networked digital home.”
“We believe that this combination of Cisco and Scientific-Atlanta will benefit our shareholders, our customers and our employees. The combined strengths and resources of our two companies will position us to address more quickly the growing number of opportunities in the markets we serve and enable us to create new products and services that might not have existed otherwise,” said Scientific-Atlanta chairman, CEO and president Jim McDonald.
Scientific-Atlanta has platforms and technologies that enable scaling to millions of subscribers quickly and easily. This, along with the Cisco IP Next Generation Network architecture, will offer providers an open platform for service differentiation, allowing them to move beyond video/IPTV to develop and deliver a variety of integrated media services in the connected home.
Following the close of the transaction, Scientific-Atlanta will become a division of the Routing and Service Provider Technology Group under the leadership of Cisco senior vice president Mike Volpi. McDonald will report directly to Volpi.
Prior to the close, Cisco and Scientific-Atlanta will operate as separate businesses and will continue to work with their existing partners. Following the close of the transaction, Cisco is committed to retaining the relationships and go-to-market strategies that both companies have developed.
For FY2005, which ended 1 July, 2005, Scientific-Atlanta reported revenues of $1.91 billion.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
