NetScout Completes Acquisition of Network General
Combining the best of nGenius and Sniffer technologies, to provide superior customer value
WESTFORD, USA. - November 1, 2007-NetScout Systems, Inc., an industry leader for advanced network and application performance management, has finalized the acquisition of privately-held Network General Corporation, a longtime leader in packet-level network analysis and data mining. NetScout will immediately begin executing the planned integration of the two companies' technologies and operations.
The acquisition enables NetScout to offer customers best-of-breed early-warning capability, real-time and historical application flow analysis, and deep packet forensics. The combined company will possess the scale, technology, and mind share required to address and meet the substantial operational challenges posed by virtualization, convergence, SOA and highly distributed network-centric operations.
The transaction will be valued at approximately $206 million for purchase accounting purposes. The acquisition was financed with a combination of 6 million shares of NetScout common stock, $100 million of NetScout debt securities, and $50 million in cash, subject to adjustments. Affiliates of Silver Lake Partners, TPG and Integral Capital Partners provided the debt financing and became NetScout stockholders. In addition, representatives of Silver Lake Partners and TPG will join NetScout's board of directors.
"On their own, NetScout's nGenius and Network General's Sniffer brands were trusted names in the data center and substantial forces in the industry," noted Michael Szabados, Chief Operating Officer of NetScout.
"Throwing our combined weight at tomorrow's most difficult network management challenges, we will elevate and advance the state of the art in packet-flow performance management solutions to the benefit of our customers and the networking industry as a whole."
About NetScout Systems
NetScout Systems, Inc. has been an industry leader for advanced network and service assurance solutions for over twenty years. NetScout's breakthrough technology solutions provide trusted, comprehensive real-time and historical performance intelligence, including advanced early warnings and rapid, definitive problem analysis. These capabilities are vital to IT operators who are accountable for reducing the Mean Time to Resolution. The world's largest enterprises, government agencies, and service providers depend upon NetScout's nGenius and Sniffer (formerly Network General) brands to assure service levels to their users by reducing or preventing disruptions and degradations. More information about NetScout is available at www.netscout.com.
For further information, contact:
Catherine Taylor
Director, Investor Relations
NetScout Systems, Inc.
978.614.4286
IR@netscout.com
Christine Johansen
Manager, Public Relations
NetScout Systems, Inc.
978.614.4113
johansenc@netscout.com
Allan Edwards/Susie Muller
Chameleon PR
+44 (0)207 680 5500
allan@chameleonpr.com / Susie@chameleonpr.com
