Fiber Optics

Fiber optics maker Oplink Communications acquired by Koch Industries

Nov. 19, 2014

Koch Industries is acquiring fiber optics component maker Oplink Communications in an all-cash transaction for approximately $445 million; Molex will manage Oplink.

Conard Holton

Oplink Communications headquarters in Fremont, CA

Koch Industries (Wichita, KS), a global conglomerate, is acquiring fiber optics component maker Oplink Communications (Nasdaq:OPLK; Fremont, CA) in an all-cash transaction for approximately $445 million. In the deal, Koch Optics will commence a tender offer and subsequent merger for all of the outstanding shares of Oplink common stock for $24.25 per share, which represents a 14% premium to the closing price on November 18, 2014.

Oplink will be managed by Molex (Lisle, IL), a global electronics components company and Koch Industries subsidiary. "Oplink will significantly expand Molex's fiber optic capabilities for technology development and new product innovation," said Tim Ruff, Molex's senior vice president, business development and corporate strategy.

Joe Liu, CEO of Oplink, said, "This transaction provides our shareholders with immediate and substantial cash value for their investment. Our Board is confident that this combination will create a stronger and more comprehensive offering for the fast growing wireless, datacom, metro, and long-haul telecom markets."

Koch Industries is one of the largest private companies in America with annual revenues of about $115 billion, according to Forbes. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining, chemicals, grain processing and biofuels; forest and consumer products; fertilizers; polymers and fibers; process and pollution control equipment and technologies; electronic components; commodity trading; minerals; energy; ranching; glass; and investments. Molex, established in 1938, operates 45 manufacturing locations in 17 countries.

Source: Oplink

About the Author

Conard Holton | Editor at Large

Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.