Cisco Systems, Inc., is back to making big acquisitions. The Internet networking company announced on March 15 that it had agreed to acquire NDS Group Holdings Limited from News Corporation and Permira Advisers LLP for $5 billion in cash and assumed debt. NDS develops software that allows for the secure delivery of video content. The deal would be Cisco’s largest since it paid $3.4 billion for Tandberg ASA two years ago.
Permira acquired a 51 percent stake in NDS in 2009 in a deal that valued NDS at $3.7 billion and reduced News Corporation’s share in the company from 74 percent to 49 percent. In December, NDS filed for an initial public offering, which helped push Cisco to acquire NDS. The parties hope to close the transaction in the second half of the year pending approvals from regulators.
