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In a move solidifying its global foothold in network testing, Keysight Technologies Inc. has officially completed its £1.16 billion ($1.56 billion) acquisition of Spirent Communications PLC, a U.K.-based telecom testing firm, following the High Court of England and Wales’ approval under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.

The ruling makes the deal legally binding for all Spirent shareholders, marking the final step in a transaction first announced in March 2024.

Spirent Shareholders Paid in Full

Spirent shareholders will receive 199 pence in cash per share, alongside a 3.5-pence-per-share dividend distributed in July, which Keysight confirmed will not affect the final acquisition price. Shares listed on London’s main market are set to cease trading Friday, with electronic shares in the U.K. and Ireland’s Crest system to be canceled.

Based in southern England, Spirent supplies advanced communication and network testing equipment to major clients like Cisco Systems, Nokia, and Deutsche Telekom. The company previously said Keysight’s offer aligns with its long-term goals by expanding access to advanced U.S. technology and international markets.

Leadership Changes and Deal Costs

Keysight announced that three of its senior executives will now serve as directors on Spirent’s board. Spirent expects to incur approximately £56.2 million in expenses tied to the acquisition, while Keysight projected around £98.8 million in related costs, citing regulatory compliance and antitrust procedures.

The U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger in June, contingent on Keysight selling three Spirent business units to mitigate competition concerns in the large-scale network testing market. Approval from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation followed in late September, clearing the final hurdle for the transaction.

Legal Teams Behind the Mega Deal

The acquisition brought together a lineup of powerhouse law firms. Freshfields LLP represented Keysight, with WilmerHale advising on antitrust matters and Ashurst LLP counseling its financial advisers. Linklaters LLP provided legal guidance to Spirent.

Neither company has commented publicly on the finalized acquisition, but the deal cements Keysight’s dominance in the telecom testing sector, merging U.S. innovation with U.K. expertise in one of the year’s most watched international technology acquisitions.