I just received an email that gave me a chuckle. Apparently, Anritsu announced today the signing of an agreement with Axcel and the management of NetTest to acquire NetTest, a leading global provider of network monitoring systems and field use communications test products.

That's not the funny part.

It goes onto say, "The recent acquisition of NetTest by Anritsu follows the path to consolidation predicted by many in the communications test and measurement industry. At the end of 2004, Tektronix acquired Inet Technologies, in early 2005, Empirix acquired CT Labs, Aeroflex acquired UbiNetics, Finisar acquired ITECH, and more recently JDS Uniphase acquired Acterna."

You don't say? Consolidation and buy-outs of testing firms.. Very interesting...

So, ummm. how much you want for TMC Labs? I can be bought you know!

Just kidding. I can't be bought. Wel, maybe with some Reeses Peanut Butter Cups or a pint of Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Ok, enough of the joking. Let me share the rest of the email...

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This new acquisition has created another giant in the communications test & measurement market. Frost & Sullivan has followed this industry for decades and has an in-depth understanding of both organizations and as well as the test & measurement market in which they play into. If you want to know what this acquisition means to the industry, please feel free to contact us.

Anritsu sees synergies in the technologies acquired which will enable the faster development of new innovative solutions for customers when coupled with Anritsu's broad technology base. On a combined basis, Anritsu and NetTest have an enviable customer base with a broad coverage of both equipment manufacturers and network operators. In addition, the geographic presence of the combined organization will further enhance Anritsu's ability to locally service and support customers at a higher technical level. In addition to a strong United States and Western European presence, NetTest has developed robust business in rapidly growing economies, such as Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and South America. Anritsu, on the other hand, can very strongly support NetTest's business in Japan and other parts of the Asia Pacific region.