Montreal’s iBwave Solutions Acquired By Ceramics Giant Corning

Montreal-based iBwave Solutions Inc., specialists in the optimal delivery of in-building wireless network environments, has been acquired by Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW).

“We are thrilled to become part of the Corning family,” said iBwave president and CEO Mario Bouchard. “With this new ownership, we are gaining the ability to grow faster and deliver more innovations to our customers.”

In a deal reminiscent of Intel’s takeover of PasswordBox, iBwave Solutions will also retain its name and continue to occupy its Montreal location, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Corning, reporting specifically to Corning’s Optical Communications business division.

iBwave counts over 600 clients in its roster, catering to wireless operators, system integrators and equipment vendors.

The Montreal company has made a name developing an industry-leading software for designing, tracking and reporting on distributed antenna systems (DAS).

Last year, ABI Research rated Corning fourth among DAS vendors, behind CommScope, TE Connectivity and Axell Wireless (first, second and third-ranked in the ABI study, respectively).

Problem: Corning’s competitors, ahead of them in the marketplace, were implementing iBwave-certified DAS solutions. Solution: Buy iBwave.

iBwave’s technology enables customers to streamline pre- and post-installation processes, perform Wi-Fi and small cell designs on site, and facilitate information via the proprietary iBwave platform.

“We welcome iBwave and its employees to Corning,” said Corning Optical Communications Executive Vice President Clark S. Kinlin. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities iBwave provides for wireless growth around the world.”

Although Corning is well-known as a ceramics manufacturer of over 160 years standing, the company is also at the forefront of the specialty glass/ceramics, fiber optic and copper, and optical physics technology commonly used in telecommunications, consumer electronics and life sciences hardware.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.