Spectel

In 1980, a company called Spectel was founded in Dublin, Ireland, with a focus on building technology for the future of communication. The company developed integrated conferencing systems, providing the hardware and software that enabled voice and data collaboration for service providers and large businesses. Its client list grew to include major corporations like Goldman Sachs, The Walt Disney Co., and General Electric. The turn of the millennium marked a period of significant growth. Under the leadership of President and CEO Gerard Moore, Spectel secured a £10 million private placement in August 2000 to aggressively expand its sales and marketing in the United States, which accounted for the vast majority of its market. Just a few months later, in a move to solidify its global position, Spectel acquired its US-based competitor, Multilink, for $30 million. This strategic purchase combined Spectel's European strengths with Multilink's North American market leadership. The company's successful run and valuable technology caught the eye of a major industry player. In October 2004, the story reached its climax when the communications giant Avaya acquired Spectel for $103 million. The deal provided Avaya with Spectel's leading conferencing platforms, integrating the Irish company's technology into its broader suite of communication solutions.