Belden Finalizes RUCKUS Acquisition, Forging an IT/OT Networking Powerhouse

ST. LOUIS, MO – July 01, 2026 – Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a global leader in specialty networking solutions, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of RUCKUS Networks from Vistance Networks. The landmark deal, valued at approximately $1.87 billion, strategically positions Belden as a preeminent provider of complete, end-to-end networking solutions, bridging the critical gap between enterprise Information Technology (IT) and industrial Operational Technology (OT).

The acquisition significantly enhances Belden’s portfolio with RUCKUS’s industry-leading enterprise Wi-Fi, high-performance switching, and sophisticated AI-driven network management platforms. This move is more than an expansion; it's a transformation that accelerates Belden's journey to becoming a full-stack provider capable of delivering unified, high-value solutions across a vast spectrum of industrial and enterprise environments.

“We are pleased to officially welcome RUCKUS into the Belden family," said Ashish Chand, President and CEO of Belden. “This addition to our portfolio accelerates our transformation into a full-stack networking solutions provider that delivers broader, higher-value solutions for customers across enterprise and industrial environments. I look forward to working with the full team as we capitalize on the benefits of this acquisition to create long-term value for customers and stockholders alike.”

A Strategic Leap into Full-Stack Networking

The integration of RUCKUS is a calculated move to capitalize on the accelerating trend of IT/OT convergence. As industries from manufacturing to healthcare digitize their operations, the demand for a single, seamless, and secure network that manages both corporate data and operational processes has skyrocketed. Historically, these two worlds have operated in silos, but Belden is now uniquely equipped to tear down those walls.

With a 120-year history rooted in mission-critical connectivity for industrial and broadcast applications, Belden has deep expertise in the OT space. The addition of RUCKUS, a powerhouse in enterprise-grade wireless and wired networking, fills a crucial gap in its offerings. The combined entity can now provide a comprehensive solution that extends from the factory floor and operational hardware right up to the enterprise cloud. This creates a powerful opportunity to extend high-performance wireless and switching into Belden's industrial customer base, where the need for robust, converged networks is most acute.

For customers, this means a simplified vendor landscape, reduced complexity, and the ability to deploy unified infrastructure that enhances efficiency and enables new data-driven insights. From smart factories to connected hospitals, the combined strength of Belden and RUCKUS promises to deliver the reliable, high-performance connectivity that underpins modern digital transformation.

Powering Growth with High-Performance Technology

RUCKUS Networks brings a portfolio renowned for its technological prowess. The company is celebrated for its differentiated Wi-Fi technology, which provides superior performance in high-density environments like stadiums, universities, and large public venues. Its enterprise switching platforms offer robust and scalable connectivity, while its AI-driven network management platforms provide advanced analytics, automation, and troubleshooting capabilities that simplify network operations.

These technologies are particularly sought after in verticals like hospitality, education, and healthcare—sectors where reliable wireless connectivity is no longer a luxury but a core operational requirement. By integrating these proven solutions, Belden not only enters new product categories but also inherits a strong market position and a loyal customer base.

The technological synergy is expected to fuel innovation. Belden's deep understanding of industrial protocols and harsh operating environments, combined with RUCKUS's expertise in enterprise networking, opens the door for new, purpose-built solutions. The company’s Customer Innovation Centers (CICs) are expected to become hubs for collaboration, where engineers from both legacy organizations can work to develop next-generation products for the converged IT/OT landscape.

Bolstering Financials and Expanding Market Reach

Beyond the strategic and technological benefits, the acquisition is structured to deliver compelling financial enhancements for Belden. The company financed the transaction with a new $1.85 billion senior secured term loan, a move that reflects confidence in the strong financial profile of the combined entity.

RUCKUS is expected to be a significant growth engine, bringing a financial profile characterized by high-single-digit revenue growth, gross margins exceeding 60%, and Adjusted EBITDA margins above 20%. These figures are meaningfully higher than Belden's current profile, and as a result, the transaction is projected to be immediately accretive to Belden’s Adjusted Earnings Per Share in the first full year of ownership.

This powerful combination is projected to generate a combined Adjusted EBITDA base of over $650 million. Management is confident that RUCKUS's strong free cash flow conversion will enable rapid deleveraging, with plans to bring net leverage below 3.0x within the first year and achieve a long-term target of approximately 1.5x by 2029. To support this focus on deleveraging, Belden will temporarily pause its share repurchase program.

For Vistance Networks, the sale allows it to focus on its core Aurora Networks business while providing a significant return to its shareholders. The company expects net proceeds of approximately $1.75 billion, a large portion of which will be distributed as a dividend.

Reshaping the Competitive Networking Landscape

The acquisition of RUCKUS Networks by Belden sends a clear signal to the market and redraws the competitive map. In a field dominated by giants like Cisco and HPE Aruba, Belden has carved out a distinct and powerful position as a specialist in end-to-end IT/OT solutions. While competitors have also targeted this space, Belden's deep-seated industrial DNA combined with RUCKUS's enterprise expertise creates a uniquely focused and formidable player.

Industry analysts have noted the strategic discipline of the acquisition, viewing it as an attractive entry point into a high-margin, high-growth segment. The move materially expands Belden's addressable market and strengthens its ability to compete for large-scale, complex projects that require a holistic networking approach. As organizations worldwide continue their digital transformation journeys, the new, more powerful Belden is well-positioned to be the partner that makes those connections possible.