Summary
1. Verizon Wireless appears to be comfortable dealing with Starent as an individual company. 2. Given Ericsson’s present position as the leading vendor to the carrier for LTE, it makes sense that it would be the supplier most plausible to purchase Starent. 3. There is a good possibility that Nokia Siemens would be the next likely candidate.
Analysis
Alcatel-Lucent could be in the running as well to purchase Starent. However, the current outlook is that it will continue to play second fiddle to Ericsson on 4G at Verizon Wireless. Moreover, at a time when product rationalization is more critical than ever at the French company, bringing in a duplicate solution now might be avoided.
Motorola seems to be more of a long shot as the manufacturer that could purchase Starent. They both already have a partnership agreement. Motorola was able to get into the PON door by purchasing Quantum Bridge. But Motorola is struggling financially and with its concentration on cost reduction, it is difficult to see it really interested. In addition, it is highly likely that Verizon would encourage Ericsson or another firm to buy Startent, if there was an impending acquisition by Motorola.
