Arris Group

Arris International Limited, commonly styled as ARRIS or Arris Group, was a telecommunications equipment company serving cable operators, broadband providers, businesses, and residential users. Its products supported the delivery of data, video, and voice services across access networks and inside the home. The company became particularly associated with cable modems, residential gateways, set-top boxes, voice modems, cable modem termination systems, network video equipment, and related communications infrastructure. The business began in 1995 as Arris Interactive, a joint venture established in England and Wales by Nortel Networks and Antec Corp. Bob Stanzione served as the company's founding president and chief executive. In 2001, after Antec acquired Nortel's interest, the company was renamed Arris Inc. and moved its executive offices to Suwanee, Georgia. The change gave Arris greater independence and established the corporate base from which it expanded through acquisitions and product development. Arris pursued a broad communications-equipment strategy rather than concentrating on a single device category. Early activities included cable access and telephony equipment, while later acquisitions added video distribution, set-top boxes, home entertainment platforms, and enterprise wireless networking. The purchase of Cadant's assets in 2002 strengthened its cable modem termination system capabilities. Acquisitions of C-COR, Digeo, and BigBand Networks expanded its reach in network video, interactive television, and broadband infrastructure. The 2013 purchase of Motorola Mobility's home business, formerly associated with General Instrument, significantly enlarged Arris's set-top-box and video-networking presence. The subsequent acquisition of Pace in 2016 further increased its international scale and installed base. Arris also expanded beyond traditional cable access equipment. In 2017 it agreed to acquire Ruckus Wireless from Broadcom, adding enterprise wireless and switching technologies to its portfolio. This transaction brought Ruckus Networks and ICX switching products into the Arris organization, although they later became CommScope brands after the acquisition of Arris. On November 8, 2018, CommScope announced an agreement to acquire Arris for $7.4 billion. The transaction closed on April 4, 2019. The combination substantially increased CommScope's scale, with the combined company reporting approximately $11.3 billion in revenue at the time of the transaction. Arris and Ruckus became brands within CommScope, and former Arris chief executive Bruce McClelland became CommScope's chief operating officer. Arris therefore ceased to operate as an independent listed company, but its name continued as a CommScope brand. Representative Arris products included the TM402P and TM502G home telephony modems and the SBG6580 wireless cable modem and router. The company also supplied equipment for Australia's National Broadband Network, including Network Termination Device variants used to connect external network infrastructure to premises. Its customer base historically included cable operators, telecommunications providers, broadcasters, enterprises, and consumers purchasing provider-certified broadband equipment. Arris built visibility outside the technology industry through sports and entertainment sponsorships. It sponsored NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing, supported Daniel Suárez across NASCAR series and teams, and later sponsored the Philadelphia Fusion esports organization. Following the 2019 CommScope acquisition, ARRIS remained primarily a product and brand identity within CommScope's communications-infrastructure portfolio.

Arris traces its origins to 1995, when Arris Interactive was formed in England and Wales as a joint venture between Nortel Networks and Antec Corp. The venture was created to develop and supply communications equipment for cable and broadband networks. Bob Stanzione was the founding president and chief executive, and the business initially operated with the backing and technology resources of both parent companies. A major structural change came in 2001, when Antec bought Nortel's share of the venture. The company adopted the name Arris Inc. and established its executive offices in Suwanee, Georgia. This transition turned Arris from a joint venture into a more independently managed communications-equipment company. Its core markets included cable operators and broadband providers that required equipment for data, video, and voice delivery. Arris expanded its technical and commercial footprint through a succession of acquisitions. In 2001 it announced the purchase of the assets of Cadant, a privately held designer and manufacturer of cable modem termination systems; the transaction was completed on January 31, 2002. Cadant strengthened Arris's position in the access-network equipment used by cable operators. In 2007 Arris purchased C-COR, adding capabilities associated with broadband and video-network infrastructure. In 2009 it acquired selected assets of Atlanta-based EG Technology and separately bought the assets of Digeo, including the Moxi interactive television platform, for approximately $20 million. The company continued to broaden its network and video portfolio in the following decade. Arris acquired BigBand Networks in 2011 for $172 million, described as $53 million net of estimated cash on hand. BigBand added video-networking and service-delivery technology. In December 2012 Arris announced an agreement to buy Motorola Mobility's home business from Google for $2.35 billion in cash and stock. Completed in April 2013, the deal substantially increased Arris's presence in set-top boxes and home video equipment and brought into the company operations with roots in General Instrument. In 2015 Arris agreed to purchase Pace plc, a United Kingdom manufacturer of set-top boxes and related equipment. The acquisition closed on January 4, 2016, in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at approximately £1.4 billion. Pace shareholders received 24 percent of the combined company, while Arris shareholders held 76 percent. The transaction added international scale and reinforced Arris's role in television and broadband equipment. Leadership also changed in 2016. On September 1, Bruce McClelland became chief executive, succeeding Bob Stanzione, who moved into the executive-chairman role. In February 2017 Arris announced a further expansion into enterprise networking through an agreement to acquire Broadcom's Ruckus Wireless unit for $800 million. The transaction also involved the ICX switching business. Ruckus and ICX complemented Arris's established cable and residential-networking operations by adding wireless access, switching, and enterprise connectivity products. Arris's independent corporate life ended with its acquisition by CommScope. On November 8, 2018, CommScope announced a $7.4 billion agreement to acquire Arris. The deal closed on April 4, 2019, and increased CommScope's scale substantially. The combined company's revenues were described as approximately $11.3 billion at the time. McClelland became CommScope's chief operating officer, while Arris and Ruckus continued as brands within the CommScope organization rather than independent public companies. Throughout its history, Arris supplied both network-side and customer-premises equipment. Its products included cable modem termination systems, voice modems, wireless cable modem gateways, residential broadband equipment, set-top boxes, video platforms, and network termination devices. In Australia, Arris supplied variants of the Network Termination Device used with the National Broadband Network. The company also developed a consumer-facing profile through sports and esports sponsorships, including NASCAR partnerships with Joe Gibbs Racing and a later sponsorship of the Philadelphia Fusion. After 2019, the ARRIS name remained associated with CommScope's broadband, home-networking, and video product activities.

1. 2019CommScope completes acquisition

   CommScope completes its acquisition of Arris on April 4, making ARRIS a brand within CommScope.

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2. 2017Ruckus Wireless acquisition is announced

   Arris agrees to acquire Broadcom's Ruckus Wireless unit and ICX switching business for $800 million.

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3. 2016Pace acquisition is completed

   Arris completes its stock-and-cash acquisition of Pace plc, increasing its international scale in set-top boxes and broadband equipment.

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4. 2013Motorola Mobility home business joins Arris

   Arris completes the acquisition of Motorola Mobility's home business from Google, expanding its set-top-box and home-video operations.

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5. 2011BigBand Networks is acquired

   Arris acquires BigBand Networks, adding video-networking and service-delivery capabilities.

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6. 2009EG Technology and Digeo assets are acquired

   Arris acquires selected EG Technology assets and the assets of Digeo, including the Moxi platform.

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7. 2007C-COR is acquired

   Arris purchases C-COR as part of its expansion in broadband and video-network infrastructure.

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8. 2002Cadant asset acquisition closes

   Arris completes the acquisition of Cadant assets, strengthening its cable modem termination system business.

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9. 2001Antec takes full ownership of the venture

   After Antec buys Nortel's interest, the company is renamed Arris Inc. and establishes its executive offices in Suwanee, Georgia.

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10. 1995Arris Interactive is founded

    Arris Interactive is established in England and Wales as a joint venture between Nortel Networks and Antec Corp., with Bob Stanzione as founding president and chief executive.

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Telecommunications and broadband infrastructure provider serving cable operators, service providers, enterprises, and residential users.

• TM402PHome telephony modem

  The TM402P was an Arris home telephony modem designed to support broadband access alongside voice services delivered over a cable network. It represents Arris's role in supplying customer-premises equipment that combined data connectivity with provider-managed telephone service.

• TM502GHome telephony modem

  The TM502G was a cable-based home telephony modem used for broadband and voice connectivity. It belonged to Arris's residential access portfolio, which was supplied through telecommunications and cable operators as well as related distribution channels.

• SBG6580Wireless cable modem and router

  The SBG6580 combined a cable modem with wireless routing functionality in a residential gateway. The device was intended to provide a household with broadband access and local network connectivity through one provider-certified unit.

• ARRIS cable access platformsBroadband network equipment

  Arris supplied network-side equipment for cable and broadband operators, including cable modem termination systems and related data, video, and telephony infrastructure. These products supported the aggregation and management of subscriber traffic within service-provider networks.

• ARRIS set-top boxes and video equipmentTelevision and video-network equipment

  Arris's set-top-box and video portfolio expanded through the Motorola Mobility home-business and Pace acquisitions. It covered equipment used by television and broadband operators to deliver digital video, interactive services, and connected-home entertainment.

• Network Termination DevicesBroadband access equipment

  Arris provided variants of Network Termination Devices for Australia's National Broadband Network. These devices served as the customer-premises interface between the external access connection and equipment inside a property.

• 2019Stewart–Haas Racing sponsorship

  United States

  Arris followed Daniel Suárez to Stewart–Haas Racing and sponsored the No. 41 Ford Mustang GT in NASCAR.

  Outcome. The program extended Arris's NASCAR marketing presence into a new driver-team relationship.

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• 2019Philadelphia Fusion esports sponsorship

  United States

  ARRIS became a sponsor of the Philadelphia Fusion, an Overwatch League esports team.

  Outcome. The sponsorship was extended through the 2020 season.

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• 2017Renewed Joe Gibbs Racing sponsorship

  United States

  Arris and Joe Gibbs Racing renewed a multiyear sponsorship agreement, with Arris sponsoring Daniel Suárez in 22 races during the 2017 NASCAR season.

  Outcome. The sponsorship continued Arris's visibility in American motorsports after Carl Edwards left NASCAR.

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• 2014NASCAR partnership with Carl Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing

  United States

  Arris announced sponsorship of NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and Joe Gibbs Racing. Edwards drove an Arris-branded No. 19 Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series, while Daniel Suárez drove an Arris-branded No. 18 in the Xfinity Series during the subsequent sponsorship period.

  Outcome. The relationship continued through the 2016 season, was renewed in 2017, and later followed Suárez to Stewart–Haas Racing.

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• 2018Agreement to be acquired by CommScopeM&A

  Arris and CommScope pursued a combination intended to unite complementary communications-infrastructure portfolios and increase global scale.

  What changed. CommScope announced an agreement to acquire Arris for $7.4 billion.

  Aftermath. The transaction closed on April 4, 2019. Arris became a CommScope brand, and Bruce McClelland became CommScope's chief operating officer.

  Acquisition value. $7.4 billion (Announced November 8, 2018; completed April 4, 2019)

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• 2017Acquisition of Ruckus Wireless and ICX switchingM&A

  Arris aimed to add enterprise wireless and switching capabilities to its broadband and residential-networking portfolio.

  What changed. Arris agreed to acquire Broadcom's Ruckus Wireless unit and associated ICX switching business.

  Aftermath. Ruckus and ICX became part of the assets later transferred to CommScope through its acquisition of Arris.

  Transaction value. $800 million (Announced February 22, 2017)

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• 2015Acquisition of Pace plcM&A

  Arris pursued greater international scale and a stronger position in set-top boxes and connected-home equipment.

  What changed. Arris agreed to acquire United Kingdom manufacturer Pace in a stock-and-cash transaction.

  Aftermath. The acquisition closed on January 4, 2016, with Pace shareholders receiving 24 percent of the combined company.

  Transaction value. Approximately £1.4 billion (approximately $2.1 billion) (Announced April 22, 2015; completed January 4, 2016)

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• 2012Acquisition of Motorola Mobility's home businessM&A

  Arris sought to expand beyond cable access equipment into set-top boxes and home video technologies.

  What changed. Arris agreed to acquire Motorola Mobility's home business from Google for $2.35 billion in cash and stock.

  Aftermath. The acquisition closed in April 2013 and materially increased Arris's set-top-box presence.

  Transaction value. $2.35 billion (Announced December 19, 2012; completed April 17, 2013)

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• 2001Transition from joint venture to independently managed ArrisStrategy

  Antec acquired Nortel's interest in Arris Interactive after the business had operated as a joint venture.

  What changed. The company was renamed Arris Inc. and established its executive offices in Suwanee, Georgia.

  Aftermath. The change created the corporate structure from which Arris pursued an extended acquisition and product-expansion program.

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• 2019CommScope completes Arris acquisition

  CommScope completed its acquisition of Arris on April 4, 2019. ARRIS and Ruckus subsequently operated as brands within CommScope.

  M&ALeadership change
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• 2019ARRIS sponsors Philadelphia Fusion

  ARRIS announced a sponsorship of the Philadelphia Fusion esports team in the Overwatch League, with the agreement extended through the 2020 season.

  Campaign
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• 2019CommScope completes acquisition of Arris

  The acquisition closed on April 4, 2019. Arris ceased to operate as an independent company, while ARRIS became a CommScope brand.

  M&A
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• 2018CommScope announces acquisition of Arris

  CommScope announced an agreement to acquire Arris for $7.4 billion, combining two major communications-infrastructure businesses.

  M&A
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• 2018CommScope announces agreement to acquire Arris

  CommScope announced a transaction valued at approximately $7.4 billion to acquire Arris International.

  M&A
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• 2017Arris agrees to acquire Ruckus Wireless

  Arris announced an agreement to acquire Broadcom's Ruckus Wireless unit for $800 million, adding enterprise wireless and switching capabilities.

  M&A
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• 2017Arris announces Ruckus Wireless acquisition

  Arris announced an agreement to buy Broadcom’s Ruckus Wireless and ICX switching businesses, extending its portfolio into enterprise wireless networking and switching.

  M&A
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• 2016Arris completes Pace acquisition

  The Pace transaction closed on January 4, 2016. Pace shareholders received 24 percent of the combined company, while Arris shareholders held 76 percent.

  M&A
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• 2016Bruce McClelland becomes Arris chief executive

  Bruce McClelland succeeded Bob Stanzione as chief executive on September 1, 2016, while Stanzione became executive chairman.

  Leadership change
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• 2015Arris agrees to acquire Pace

  Arris agreed to acquire United Kingdom set-top-box manufacturer Pace in a stock-and-cash transaction valued at approximately £1.4 billion, or about $2.1 billion at the time.

  M&A
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• 2013Arris completes Motorola Mobility home business acquisition

  The transaction closed on April 17, 2013, expanding Arris's presence in the set-top-box market and adding technologies associated with the former General Instrument business.

  M&A
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• 2013Arris completes acquisition of Motorola Mobility home business

  The transaction closed in April 2013 and materially increased Arris’s scale in video, broadband and residential equipment.

  M&A
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• 2012Arris agrees to acquire Motorola Mobility's home business

  Arris announced an agreement to acquire Motorola Mobility's home business from Google for $2.35 billion in cash and stock, broadening its set-top-box and video-networking operations.

  M&A
  Source
• 2012Arris announces acquisition of Motorola Mobility home business

  Arris announced an agreement to acquire Motorola Mobility’s home business from Google for cash and stock, expanding its presence in set-top boxes and home communications equipment.

  M&A
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1. Arris International
2. ARRIS official website