Cisco Buys Hammerhead, Navarro

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cisco Systems, Inc., today announced definitive agreements to acquire privately-held Hammerhead Networks, Inc. of Billerica, Massachusetts and Navarro Networks, Inc. of Plano, Texas. Hammerhead Networks' software solutions will augment Cisco's industry-leading IP aggregation portfolio consisting of cable, broadband and leased-line products. Navarro Networks' ASICs design expertise will complement Cisco's continued development of innovative Ethernet switching solutions. The potential acquisitions of these two companies were previously described in Cisco's 10-Q SEC filing for the second-quarter of fiscal year 2002. Hammerhead Networks develops high-performance software solutions that accelerate the delivery of multiple IP service features such as billing, security and Quality of Service (QoS) without degradation in network performance. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco common stock worth up to $173 million will be exchanged for all outstanding shares and options of Hammerhead Networks not already owned by Cisco. Cisco currently holds a minority interest in Hammerhead Networks. Hammerhead Networks was founded in April 2000. The 85 employees of Hammerhead Networks, led by chief executive officer, Eddie Sullivan, will join the Cable Business Unit in Cisco's Network Edge and Aggregation Routing Group. Navarro Networks develops high-performance, cost-effective ASIC components for the Ethernet market. Navarro Networks' technology will enhance Cisco's internal development of new, high-end ASICs and increase ASIC manufacturing flexibility on next-generation Ethernet switching platforms. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco common stock worth up to $85 million will be exchanged for all outstanding shares and options of Navarro Networks not already owned by Cisco. Cisco currently holds a minority interest in Navarro Networks. Navarro Networks was founded in March 2000. The 25 employees of Navarro Networks, led by chief executive officer, Mark Bluhm, will join the Internet Systems Business Unit in Cisco's Internet Switching and Services Group. Cisco Systems Inc.