Juniper splashes out $200m on Pacific Broadband

All share deal for high-speed net technologies firm...

Juniper Networks is set to acquire internet communications equipment manufacturer Pacific Broadband Communications for $200m. The all share deal will allow Juniper to extend its reach beyond high-speed optical equipment. High-speed modem access and pay-per-view video will be part of Juniper's increasing range of services as it exploits Pacific Broadband's offerings, which include a system currently being tested which will allow cable operators to get high-speed performance out of traditional copper cable. Juniper is planning to cash in on an expanding internet network equipment market which it expects to grow to $1.3bn by 2005 from $500m this year.