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Mitel Networks Corporation
Company typePrivate
IndustryTelecommunications
Founded1973; 51 years ago (1973)
Headquarters
Ottawa, Ontario
,
Canada
Key people
Tarun Loomba (president and CEO)

Jamshid Rezaei (CIO)
Venkat Nagaswamy (CMO)
Greg Hiscock (CLO)

Janine Yetter (CFO)
ProductsSee here
OwnerSearchlight Capital Partners
Number of employees
2,400
Websitewww.mitel.com
Footnotes / references
[1]

Mitel Networks Corporation is a Canadian telecommunications company. The company previously produced TDM PBX systems and applications, but after a change in ownership in 2001, now focuses almost entirely on Voice-over-IP (VoIP), unified communications, collaboration and contact center products.[2] Mitel is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with offices, partners and resellers worldwide.[3][4]

In April 2018, the company announced it had been bought by an investor group led by Searchlight Capital Partners.[5]

History

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Founding

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Cover of the 1981 Mitel annual report

Michael Cowpland and Terry Matthews founded Mitel in 1973[6][7] (officially on June 8, 1973). Conventionally, its name is regarded as a combination of the founders’ first names and their first product, Mike and Terry Lawnmowers.[8][9] Michael Cowpland stated that the name stands for Mike and Terry Lawnmowers, whereas Terry Matthews confirmed the lawnmower acronym during an interview on BBC Radio 4's The Bottom Line in May 2011.[citation needed]

Cowpland and Matthews formed the corporation with the blessing of their employer, Bell Northern Research, in order to protect their intellectual property rights of the converter design from their employer, who otherwise would have legal ownership rights.[citation needed]

Their first shipment of three lawnmowers was lost in shipping, so they quickly adjusted to produce a telephony tone receiver product (a tone-to-pulse converter for central office use based on Cowpland's Ph.D. thesis). Michael Cowpland has also stated that the lawnmowers were not suited to Canadian lawns.[citation needed]

Following the success of the tone receiver, the founders extended their interest in the telecommunications industry. Early on, the pair realized the significance of the then-new microprocessor and software technology[10] to the design of telecom switches. In 1975, they introduced the SX200 PBX.[10] In 1976, the company expanded into the semiconductor field with the acquisition of Siltex, a bankrupt ISO-CMOS foundry in Bromont, Quebec. This evolved into a semiconductor division that specialized in mixed signal and thick film hybrid devices.[citation needed] The company grew at a rate of over 100% per year for several years. They reached the $100 million annual revenue mark by 1981.[11]

1980 - 2000

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The lobby area of the Mitel office in the early 1980s

The next major product was a large digital PBX called the SX2000. This was an early attempt to integrate the voice and data functions of office systems. It was conceived as moving beyond the PBX to become an Office Controller, which would handle both voice and data applications within an organization.[citation needed]

In 1985, due to a financial crisis in the company, the board of directors created enough new shares to sell a controlling interest (51%) to British Telecom. British Telecom left the equipment business a few years later and sold its controlling interest in Mitel to an investment company called Schroder Ventures. Schroeder Ventures installed new management, which revitalized the company.[citation needed]

In the meantime, Mitel continued to diversify its product line, introducing the successful SUPERSET line of phone terminals, the GX5000 Central Office, and the SMART-1 call controller, among others. Additionally, Mitel developed and marketed a line of telecom-focussed semiconductor products.[citation needed]

2000 - 2010

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In 2001, Terry Matthews paid US$230 million to acquire the communications network division of Mitel, along with the Mitel trademark.[12][13] It began a new chapter, under the name Mitel Networks, by developing a family of PBXs based on Internet standards for Voice over IP (VoIP).[citation needed]

The original company retained the semiconductor division. It was renamed Zarlink (Tsar of Links) Semiconductor to reflect its interest in networking.[citation needed]

Mitel Knowledge Corporation, also controlled by Matthews, was incorporated in 2001.[14] Numerous patents were transferred to the company.[15] It later evolved into MKC Networks, which made a family of SIP-based IP PBX systems.[citation needed]

An additional split took place in 2002, when the manufacturing arm was spun off out of Mitel Networks to become a contract manufacturer called BreconRidge. With these developments, the original Mitel Corporation was split into three companies: Zarlink (which though renamed is the original corporate entity), Mitel Networks, and BreconRidge.[16]

Mitel and Sun Microsystems equipment showcased at a 2007 trade show

On May 10, 2006, the new company announced its intention to launch an Initial public offering (IPO). No detailed information was released, but the press indicated that the company hoped to raise $150 million.[17]

In April 2007, Mitel announced an agreement with Inter-Tel to purchase that company. This purchase would amount to a merger of equals, with the merged company being twice the size of the original Mitel. This acquisition was completed in August 2007. Management had announced that the companies will carry on under the name Mitel. As a result of the merger, Mitel withdrew from the IPO registration process.[18]

On April 22, 2010, Mitel became a public company,[19] listed on Nasdaq with the symbol MITL, and its initial offering stood at $14 per share.[20] Within a year, the stock price had dropped to $5.50[21] and was described by CNBC's Jim Cramer as one of the worst IPOs of the year.[22] Cramer blamed excessively optimistic pricing, excessive debt and the fear that company insiders would sell, dropping the stock value.[22]

During the company's Q1 conference call, Don Smith (CEO) announced his retirement from the company once the board of directors was able to find a suitable replacement. Smith said he would remain on the board after retirement.[23]

2011 - 2020

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In 2011, Mitel launched litigation against at least two Australian businesses for infringing on Mitel's trademark and the businesses for engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct under Australian consumer law.[24] The first case against Melbourne telecommunications company MyTel was resolved.[25]

On March 1, 2013, Mitel announced it had completed the sale of its DataNet CommSource business unit ("DataNet") in Sioux Falls to EarthBend, LLC.[26] In December 2016 the company announced that it had sold its mobility unit for $385 million to Xura and that would focus its business on Unified Communications.[27]

In June 2013, Mitel announced the completion of acquisition of one of its key suppliers, prairieFyre Software Inc., a privately held global provider of contact center, business analytics, and workforce optimization software and services. The net cash cost to Mitel for the acquisition of prairieFyre was approximately $20 million. prairieFyre was an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that supplied Mitel with its existing contact center solution.[buzzword][28]

In November 2013, Mitel announced the purchase of Aastra Technologies.[29]

On March 4, 2014, Mitel announced the acquisition of contact center supplier OAISYS.[citation needed]

In March 2015, Mitel announced to buy Mavenir Systems for $560 million.[30]

In April 2016, Mitel announced its intention to buy Polycom for $1.96 billion.[31] The deal was intended to give existing Polycom shareholders both cash and new Mitel shares for their holdings and result in Polycom shareholders owning 60% of the combined company. The acquisition was ended in favour of a merger with Siris Capital instead,[32] forcing Polycom to pay a US$60 million fee to Mitel for cancelling the deal.[33]

In July 2017, Mitel announced they had reached a deal to buy ShoreTel for $530 million, increasing the size of the company to approximately 4,200 employees.[34][35][36]

Major League Baseball, in 2018, entered into a deal with Mitel to unify communications "between the press box, dugout, bullpen and video review rooms at every MLB ballpark from the Rogers Centre to Wrigley Field".[37]

On November 30, 2018, Mitel announced that all the shares of Mitel were acquired by affiliates of funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners. The shares ceased trading on the TSX and Nasdaq[38] and were delisted.

In April 2019, Mitel moved to merge with Avaya.[39] The merger did not go through.[40]

In October 2019, Mitel’s CEO Richard McBee resigned.[41] Mary McDowell became the new CEO.[42]

2020 - Present

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In May 2021, Mitel announced a partnership with Five9.[43]

In November 2021, Mitel and RingCentral entered into an agreement.[44]

Tarun Loomba became the CEO in the same year.[45]

In January 2023, Mitel announced it entered into exclusive negotiation with Atos to acquire Unify.[46] The acquisition of Unify was completed in October 2023.[47]

Product lineup

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Communications platforms (Cloud / Onsite PBX): Mitel's business phone systems provide call center, unified communications and cloud communications solutions.

  • MiCloud Connect
  • MiCloud Flex
  • MiVoice Office 250
  • MiVoice Office 400
  • MiVoice Business
  • MiVoice Connect
  • MiVoice MX-ONE
  • MiVoice 5000

Session Border Controllers (Cloud / Onsite): Mitel's SBC acts as a security gateway between the company network and the Internet

  • MiVoice Border Gateway

Applications (Contact Center and UC Apps): Mitel's contact center and collaboration applications.

  • MiCloud Connect Contact Center
  • MiCloud Flex Contact Center
  • MiContact Center Business
  • MiContact Center Enterprise
  • MiVoice Connect Contact Center
  • Teamwork
  • MiCollab
  • MiCollab Advanced Messaging
  • Mitel One

Endpoints (Phones / Wireless): Mitel offers a range of SIP/IP and digital phones, consoles, conference phones and peripherals.

  • Desk phones for MiCloud / MiVoice Solutions[buzzword] (select models like 6900s, 5300s, 400s)
  • SIP phones for MiVoice solutions[buzzword] (6800s)
  • Digital phones (8500s & 4200s)
  • DECT Wireless solutions[buzzword]
  • SIP Wi-Fi handsets
  • TA7100 FXS adapters[48]

References

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  1. ^ "FORM 10-K".
  2. ^ "Mitel Review 2023: Features, Pricing & More – Forbes Advisor". www.forbes.com. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Nagro, Anne; Elliott, Jessica (April 1, 2023). "What is Mitel?".
  4. ^ "Mitel Business Phone System Overview and Prices". Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "Canada's Mitel to be bought by investor group in $2 billion deal". Reuters. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  6. ^ "History of Mitel Corporation – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  7. ^ Scott, Rob (December 21, 2016). "Mitel Unified Communications - The Telecoms Powerhouse". UC Today. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  8. ^ "Sir Terry Matthews". Profit. June 2, 2010. Archived from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  9. ^ "History of Mitel Corporation – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "About Us – Overview – History". Wesley Clover. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018.
  11. ^ Mitel Annual Report 1982
  12. ^ Lau, Debra. "Forbes Face: Terry Matthews". Forbes. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  13. ^ "Mitel Networks Corp (MITL.O) People". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 4, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  14. ^ "MITEL KNOWLEDGE CORPORATION". Canada Corporation Directory. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  15. ^ "Patents Assigned to Mitel Knowledge Corporation – Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  16. ^ OBJ Staff (2001). "Mitel spins off division into BreconRidge/". Ottawa Business Journal. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  17. ^ Catherine McLean (2006). "Mitel files for IPO, eyes expansion plan/". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  18. ^ "Mitel To Acquire Inter-Tel". tmcnet.com. April 27, 2007.
  19. ^ "Mitel makes second try at IPO". The Globe and Mail. April 22, 2010.
  20. ^ "Mitel Becomes a Public Company – Again". UCStrategies.com. April 22, 2010. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010.
  21. ^ Johnathan Chen (July 1, 2011). "J.P. Morgan Lowering Price Target On Mitel Networks". Benzinga. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  22. ^ a b Jim Cramer (June 23, 2010). "A How-To Guide for a Successful GM IPO". CNBC. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  23. ^ "Mitel CEO Don Smith to leave post". September 3, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  24. ^ "Mitel targets iPhone repairer trademark". ZDNet. December 2, 2011.
  25. ^ Crozier, Ry (February 2, 2011). "Mitel, MyTel in settlement talks". itnews Australia. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  26. ^ "Mitel Sells DataNet CommSource Business Unit to EarthBend". globenewswire.com (Press release). Nasdaq GlobeNewswire. March 1, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  27. ^ Lunden, Ingrid (December 19, 2016). "Xura buys Mitel Mobility for $385M and Ranzure to double down on 5G". techcrunch.com. TechCrunch. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  28. ^ "Mitel Acquires Contact Center Supplier prairiefyre" (Press release). June 17, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
  29. ^ "Mitel Networks buys Aastra Technologies in friendly takeover deal to create bigger high-tech player" (Press release). November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  30. ^ "Canada's Mitel Networks to buy Mavenir Systems for $560 mln" (Press release). March 2, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  31. ^ "Mitel announces definitive agreement to acquire Polycom". mitel.com. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  32. ^ "Polycom Agrees to End Mitel Merger Agreement and Approves New Merger Agreement With Siris Capital". polycom.com. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  33. ^ "Mitel's Breakup With Polycom Has Major Silver Lining". July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  34. ^ "Mitel to buy ShoreTel for $430 million to create unified communications powerhouse". July 27, 2017.
  35. ^ Haranas, Mark (September 25, 2017). "Mitel Completes $530 Million Acquisition Of ShoreTel". CRN. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  36. ^ Networks, Mitel. "Mitel Completes Acquisition of ShoreTel". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  37. ^ "MLB taps Ottawa's Mitel for on-field communication systems". Ottawa Business Journal. February 27, 2018.
  38. ^ "Mitel Closes the Previously Announced Transaction with Searchlight Capital Partners". Bloomberg.com. November 30, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  39. ^ Lombardo, Cara; Dummett, Ben (April 25, 2019). "Mitel Offers to Combine With Avaya in Stock Deal Worth More Than $2 Billion". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  40. ^ "Why a Mitel-Avaya Merger Would Be Good for the Industry". nojitter.com. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  41. ^ "Best RingCentral Alternatives in 2021". founderjar.com. March 22, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  42. ^ "MITEL ANNOUNCES MARY T. MCDOWELL AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO". mitel.com. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  43. ^ "Five9 and Mitel partner to expand cloud contact center portfolio". seekingalpha.com. May 26, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  44. ^ Narcisi, Gina (August 5, 2022). "RingCentral Laying Off 50 Workers At California Headquarters". CRN.
  45. ^ Panettieri, Joe (November 10, 2021). "RingCentral Acquires Certain Mitel Technologies, Inks UCaaS Partnership". ChannelE2E.
  46. ^ "Mitel Enters Exclusive Negotiations with Atos to Acquire its Unified Communications & Collaboration Business (Unify), Significantly Expanding Global UC Footprint and Customer Base". news.mitel.com. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  47. ^ Newman, Daniel (October 4, 2023). "Mitel Acquires Unify Becoming World's Second Largest Unified Communications Company Worldwide". Forbes. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  48. ^ "MITEL TA7100 TERMINAL ADAPTERS". Retrieved June 8, 2022.
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