Least cost routing solutions provider Neustar, also a manufacturer of market-leading, innovative solutions and directory services, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and certain liabilities of the Numbering Solutions business from Evolving Systems.

Neustar is positioned to be a premier neutral third-party provider of managed services that enable secure, reliable communication across networks, applications and enterprise, and a global leading provider of Internet Protocol solutions that connect people and technologies.

Evolving Systemsis a provider of software and services to more than 70 network operators. Its portfolio includes market-leading products for Service Activation, Service Verification, Dynamic SIM Allocation, Number Portability, Number Inventory, M2M and Mediation solutions. In 2010 Evolving Systems' (News - Alert) Numbering Solutions business generated $14.5 million, or 39 percent, of total revenue.

This acquisition in set to enhance order management and inventory services at Neustar, in addition to improving operational efficiency. The acquisition of Evolving Systems' Numbering Solutions business furthers Neustar's long-term initiative to simplify operators' OSS architectures by mitigating cost and complexity, while making the evolution to next-generation networks more efficient, manageable, and flexible to meet the increasingly complex needs of end-users. The industry's continual evolution and the rapid proliferation of IP-enabled devices magnify the critical importance and complexity of OSS architectures, which underscore the significance of this acquisition.

Thad Dupper, chairman and CEO of Evolving Systems, said, “Our Numbering Solutions business is an ideal fit for Neustar. Our well-established industry reputation, our portfolio of tier-1 Numbering customers, and our subject matter expertise all will be great additions to Neustar.’’

"The profound change underway in the telecommunications industry is creating significant challenges and opportunities. Neustar sits at the intersection of this transformation, delivering proven solutions and services to help our customers get the most out of their communication networks," said Lisa Hook (News - Alert), Neustar's president and chief executive officer. "Neustar is raising the bar for the industry by integrating the Evolving Systems capabilities to create a dynamic new number management paradigm. This combination extends the breadth of Neustar's Carrier Services portfolio, providing a strong foundation for our customers to meet their current needs and allowing them to harness the power of IP into the future."    

Under the terms of the agreement, Neustar will pay approximately $39 million in cash. Upon the close of the acquisition, certain assets of the Number Solutions business of Evolving Systems will become part of Neustar's Carrier Services operating segment. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions including the affirmative vote of a majority of Evolving Systems' stockholders, is expected to close within 120 days of signing.