The communications specialist Belden is buying the US-based industrial networking supplier GarrettCom for $52m. Belden is also buying Thomas & Betts’ communications products business for $78m, and selling its wireless networking operation Trapeze Systems, to Juniper Networks for $152m.

The GarrettCom acquisition will extend Belden’s industrial networking activities by adding industrial switches, routers, converters, serial communications and security software, to its portfolio.

Belden says that GarrettCom`s hardened networking products will complement its high-availability industrial networking systems that it currently sells under the Hirschmann brand (which it acquired for $260m in 2007). The new deal will also allow Belden to meet the needs of customers across wider range of markets.

GarrettCom focuses on products for demanding applications in markets such as the power utility, security, transportation, industrial automation and telecommunications sectors.

“Belden`s strategic vision is to provide the best industrial networking solutions to our customers, regardless of application or environment,” says its president and chief executive, John Stroup (above). “GarrettCom provides an excellent platform for Belden to partner with power utilities as they upgrade and automate their transmission and distribution infrastructure.

“The addition of GarrettCom`s products will complement our existing industrial networking portfolio and strengthen our position as the world`s leading provider of complete industrial networking solutions,” Stroup adds.

The Thomas & Betts acquisition will strengthen Belden’s position in the broadband, security, and audio/video markets. Belden expects both acquisitions to be completed by end of 2010.

Stroup says that selling Trapeze Networks will allow Belden to focus on long-term growth opportunities for wireless technology in its core markets, “including the nascent industrial networking market.

“As the leader in high-performance networking, Juniper represents the ideal provider for us to unlock the value of Trapeze Networks in the global enterprise market,” he adds.