SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Bookham, Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM - News), and Avanex Corporation (Nasdaq: AVNX - News), today announced they have closed their merger, thereby creating one of the largest suppliers of optical components, modules and subsystems to the long-haul and metro telecommunications markets. Also announced today, the newly combined company will be named Oclaro, Inc. The "Oclaro" name was created through a combination of the words "Optical" and "Clarity," to communicate Oclaro's bold clarity of vision and focus on photonics innovation with a complete portfolio of technology, components, modules and subsystems for fiber optic communications. The company's stock will trade on the NASDAQ Global Market with the stock symbol "OCLR," beginning at the start of trading on April 28, 2009.

"The closing of this merger is a significant milestone in our quest to be a predominant force in the fiber optics industry," said Alain Couder, president and CEO, Oclaro. "By uniting the best components expertise of Bookham with the modules and subsystems best expertise of Avanex, Oclaro has the necessary products and technologies under one roof to become a market setter in the future of the fiber optic market."

Bookham Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM; London: BHM)

Avanex Corp. (Nasdaq: AVNX)