Avocent to acquire Landesk

Avocent announced on Thursday that it plans to acquire Landesk Software in a $416 million deal designed to expand its connectivity offerings.

The deal, which is expected to close within the next two months, aims to bolster Avocent's connectivity offerings to help customers analyze, update and automate the management of their systems and devices.

Salt Lake City-based Landesk, a spin-off of Intel, provides software for desktops, servers and mobile devices that focuses on security and management of those systems and devices. Avocent develops connectivity software for branch offices and for small and midsize businesses.

"Landesk will broaden our reach into additional platforms and layer added value on top of our connectivity solutions," John Cooper, Avocent's chief executive, said in a statement.

After the merger, Landesk will operate as an independent division of Avocent and remain in its current location.