Amphenol acquires CommScope’s fiber unit for $10.5B as AI drives connectivity demand

Amphenol has agreed to acquire CommScope’s Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS) business for $10.5 billion, marking the second major CommScope unit the company has purchased in under a year. The deal significantly strengthens Amphenol’s position in fiber optic interconnects and data center infrastructure, particularly as AI-driven demand for high-speed connectivity continues to surge.

What you should know: This acquisition builds on Amphenol’s previous $2.1 billion purchase of CommScope’s Andrew connectivity business in July 2024.

• The Andrew deal included CommScope’s Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Outdoor Wireless Networks units, which have been consolidated under the revived Andrew brand.
• Amphenol’s experience with the Andrew acquisition gave the company insight into CommScope’s broader talent pool and technology capabilities.

The big picture: The CCS business serves three critical markets experiencing robust growth in the current tech infrastructure boom.

• About 40% of CCS’s expected $3.6 billion in 2025 sales come from data center fiber optic interconnections, benefiting from AI infrastructure expansion.
• Another 35% comes from broadband network solutions, while 25% stems from industrial interconnect tools for smart factories and commercial buildings.
• The combined unit employs more than 15,000 people and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Why this matters: The acquisition positions Amphenol to offer comprehensive connectivity solutions as enterprises build next-generation data centers for AI and accelerated computing.

• “Having everything from the cable to the interconnect, the connectors, cable assemblies, complex cable assemblies, fiber management systems” allows CCS to capitalize on data center growth, according to CEO R. Adam Norwitt.
• The deal gives Amphenol significant fiber optic capabilities, representing “a real shift for us in terms of competency and capabilities,” Norwitt noted.

What they’re saying: Amphenol’s leadership praised CommScope’s technical expertise and talent after working closely with the Andrew acquisition team.

• “Simply put, Andrew has given us the opportunity to become deeply acquainted with the outstanding technology and deep bench of talent within CommScope,” said Norwitt.
• He described CCS as a “premier and iconic business” with intellectual property that will complement Amphenol’s existing data center and network offerings.

Amphenol’s acquisition strategy: The company has been aggressively expanding through acquisitions while maintaining strong organic growth.

• Amphenol reported record second-quarter sales of $5.7 billion, representing 57% year-over-year growth, with 41% coming from organic expansion.
• Recent acquisitions include the $120 million purchase of RF component manufacturer Narda-MITEQ in May, along with previous additions like PCTel antenna and test equipment assets.