B&B Electronics acquires IMC

Ottawa, IL ? June 11, 2012 ? B&B Electronics (www.bb-elec.com), a developer of wired and wireless connectivity technology, has expanded its portfolio to include the industry’s most comprehensive offerings of fiber access networking solutions through its acquisition of IMC Networks (www.imcnetworks.com).

Founded in 1988, IMC Networks is a leading provider of optical access and media conversion solutions for LAN, MAN and FTTx applications. A pioneer in the development of many Ethernet-based products, IMC is known for designing the first fiber optic access and media conversion solutions in the industry.
The acquisition translates into increased portfolio strength for B&B through the addition of enterprise-class fiber-optic solutions designed to easily integrate into existing network infrastructures, as well as wide-area connectivity offerings. With this expanded scope, B&B extends its position as the single point-of-support for connectivity solutions needed by companies with networks of all sizes.

?The market for IMC’s technology is positioned for strong growth during the next few years, driven by the increasing bandwidth and reach of the edge of networks,” explained Sean Harrigan, B&B president/CEO. ?As companies and governmental organizations continue to invest in upgrading and expanding their networks, IMC’s reputation for quality technology that easily integrates into existing networks will further deepen B&B’s position as a compelling, total solution provider for demanding network engineers and designers seeking to boost performance.”

IMC solutions are known for allowing networks to perform better, faster and more reliably, with next-generation fiber access solutions sold in more than 50 countries. More than 60 percent of the company’s sales come from outside the United States, with customers including telecommunication carriers, military and government entities. Harrigan indicated that B&B values IMC’s history of innovation and ongoing investment in R&D.

IMC is B&B Electronics’ third major acquisition over the past 9 months. Late last year, B&B purchased Quatech, an Ohio-based manufacturer of industrial connectivity solutions. Earlier this year, B&B completed the acquisition of the Czech-based Conel s.r.o., a manufacturer of wireless communications routers, gateways and devices that connect cellular networks to Ethernet, serial and other data networks. The IMC acquisition fits B&B’s strategy of providing end-to-end networking connectivity solutions for industrial networks.

IMC Networks is headquartered in Foothill Ranch, CA with additional offices in Clearwater, FL, and Washington DC. The IMC business will operate as a subsidiary of B&B Electronics.

IMC’s product line consists of hundreds of solutions, including copper-to-fiber Media Converters that integrate with existing copper wiring-based networks, fiber mode converters, distance extenders, repeaters, LAN/WAN bandwidth management, intelligent FTTx solutions, and Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) solutions. IMC Networks supports Ethernet, ATM/SONET, T1/E1 and DS3/E3 networking technologies with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management. Its media conversion solutions are available in a variety of form factors and configurations, from low-cost standalone units to rack-mountable modules designed for the high-density applications.

About B&B Electronics:
Designing, customizing, and manufacturing products since 1981, B&B Electronics (www.bb-elec.com) is a one-stop source for best-in-class rugged, reliable wireless connectivity and communications solutions. Backed by strong technical support, B&B products are known for being simple to order, simple to use and simple to install. The company offers solutions for serial, Ethernet and USB networks for industrial and commercial applications around the world.