Cisco buys another Israeli firm

Almost half way through the year, Cisco has made 12 acquisitions, just under

half the company’s stated goal of 25 mergers in 2000. This week, Cisco said it

has agreed to pay $127 million in cash and stock for HyNEX, a subsidiary of

Israel's Elbit.

HyNEX makes ATM computer-access equipment, an area where Cisco has been

seeking a greater global role, especially in systems for integrated data, voice

and video services. Cisco, which now employs more than 30,000 people, will keep

HyNEX's 49 employees. HyNEX is Cisco's 12th purchase since January and its 60th

since 1993. It is also the fourth purchase of an Israel-based company.