Extreme Networks may buy Infovista's Ipanema SD-WAN business

Extreme Networks announced the intent to acquire a newly created entity called Ipanematech SAS ("Ipanema"), the SD-WAN division of Infovista. The acquisition will expand its ExtremeCloud portfolio, offering new cloud-managed SD-WAN and security solutions required to power the Infinite Enterprise.

Ipanema's solution automatically and dynamically adjusts application traffic flows based on real-time network conditions, providing increased performance and improved quality of experience, even under diverse conditions across various types of cloud-managed WAN connectivity. Extreme plans to leverage these capabilities to establish an infinitely distributed and secure solution within the ExtremeCloud portfolio. This will add more flexibility, capability, and security when connecting locations, applications, and devices, enabling Extreme to provide the best possible experience to customers and their consumers, wherever they are in their journey toward the Infinite Enterprise.

"By acquiring Ipanema, Extreme extends its market leadership position in cloud with features that will help to reduce complexity for customers when it comes to operating and managing their increasingly distributed networks. Tapping into the fast-growing and developing market segments of cloud-managed SD-WAN, and, in the future SASE, accelerates our topline growth potential and expands our opportunity to grow recurring revenue with additional SaaS applications. Further, we'll extend our go-to-market and R&D footprint in Europe, where Ipanema is an established player. We're excited to welcome the Ipanema team to Extreme, where together we'll drive towards our next phase of accelerating growth," says Ed Meyercord, President and CEO, Extreme Networks.

The addition of Ipanema will establish a second technology center of excellence for Extreme in Europe and deepen the company's European customer presence. Ipanema has established partnerships with managed services providers and systems integrators across Europe to help customers implement, manage, and scale their cloud-driven SD-WAN installations. Ipanema's solutions are currently deployed in over 100,000 sites and serve more than 400 customers.

"Ipanema expands the ExtremeCloud portfolio by providing new cloud-managed SD-WAN connectivity and security capabilities, accelerating Extreme's ability to meet the needs created by the Infinite Enterprise. In isolation, SD-WAN technology barely scratches the surface of its potential, and we believe Ipanema's technology will play a critical role in helping us continue provide fast, secure, and superior consumer experiences. By building upon Ipanema's innovation and performance, we'll be able to provide customers more flexible and secure cloud-managed solutions to connect locations, people, applications, services, and devices with even greater speed and finesse," says Nabil Bukhari, Chief Technology Officer, Extreme Networks.

Extreme expects that Infovista will enter into a definitive purchase agreement with Extreme for purchase and sale of €60 million (or approximately $73 million) in an all-cash deal, subject to customary adjustments. Ipanema is a privately held company, currently part of Infovista and majority owned by Private Equity firm Apax Partners with a minority stake owned by Thoma Bravo. The acquisition is expected to close in October 2021, pending works counsel consultations. Moelis & Company LLC is serving as a strategic financial advisor for Extreme Networks.