Cisco Finally Wins Control of Tandberg

Cisco Systems Inc. said that it has received acceptances from shareholders amounting to 89 percent of Tandberg’s total outstanding shares and, combined with its purchase of 2.2 percent of the company’s issues in November, satisfied its requirement for acquiring the Norwegian video conference systems maker.

The networking company said that the shares tendered represent about 102 million shares or 91.1 percent of the shares and voting rights in Tandberg. Cisco said that it will purchase the remaining shares of the company.

Cisco set a deadline of December 3 to complete the deal, which it had revised upward to $3.4 billion to satisfy reluctant Tandberg shareholders who argued that the vendor’s initial offer was below market value.

As of December 3, Cisco controlled only 89 percent of Tandberg’s shares but chose to waive its requirement for 90 percent acceptance.

“Our shareholders have decided to accept Cisco’s offer for our company,” said Fredrik Halvorsen, Tandberg chief executive.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in our people, our partners and our technology. Bringing together exceptional people from both sides, we will bring more innovation to this space than either one could have done on their own,” he said.

Cisco also said that the U.S. Department of Justice has requested additional information on the deal. The request is part of the regulatory process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The company said it will quickly respond and work cooperatively with the DOJ.

Officials said that they expect the Tandberg deal to close in the first half of 2010.