MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- 3Com Corporation (NASDAQ: COMS - News) today announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Bain Capital Partners, LLC, a leading global private investment firm, for approximately $2.2 billion in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $5.30 in cash for each share of 3Com common stock they hold. This represents a premium of approximately 44 percent over 3Com's closing price of $3.68 on September 27, 2007.

The Board of Directors of 3Com has unanimously approved the merger agreement and has resolved to recommend that 3Com's shareholders adopt the agreement.

"The 3Com Board of Directors and senior management team have thoroughly reviewed our strategic alternatives and have determined that the agreement with Bain Capital provides the best value for 3Com shareholders," said Edgar Masri, 3Com president and chief executive officer. "We believe that this agreement better positions 3Com to establish itself as a global networking leader, which will benefit our employees, our customers and our partners."

"As business becomes ever more global, companies need to enhance their technology infrastructure to compete more effectively in the broader economy," said Jonathan Zhu, a Bain Capital Managing Director, based in Hong Kong. "3Com has a strong competitive position, and we believe there are significant opportunities to grow by acquiring customers and introducing new products. We look forward to working with the management team and the company's strategic partners to seize the worldwide growth opportunity that exists for 3Com's communications networking solutions."

3Com Corp. (Nasdaq: COMS)