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D.A. Davidson & Co. Serves as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Approved Networks, Inc. in Its Acquisition by Champion ONE

June 18, 2020

D.A. Davidson & Co. announced today that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to Approved Networks in its acquisition by Champion ONE.

The combination of Approved Networks and Champion ONE will create one of the most comprehensive designers, marketers, and providers of carrier grade optical transceivers and related mission critical components to telecommunications, cable, data center, and enterprise customers in North America and International markets.

Based in Lake Forest, Calif., and founded in 2009, Approved Networks is a leading provider of optical networking solutions for the smart data center. Approved Networks’ technical expertise paired with one of the most comprehensive testing facilities in the U.S. has allowed it to consistently deliver first-to-market compatibility solutions in the most rigorous optical networking environments for over a decade. In addition to its extensive product line, Approved Networks’ customer service has earned it unmatched trust within the industry, helping clients navigate the complexities of their hardware systems to guarantee compliance, compatibility and interoperability throughout their networks. The company’s success has been enabled by strong loyalty and support from over 3,000 clients in 30-plus countries, including some of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies. The company has been able to maintain consistent success by leveraging a sterling industry reputation for high-quality products and service abetted by demonstrably consistent innovation.

“The Approved Networks management team has done an outstanding job delivering value to its customers which is reflected in its significant growth,” said Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director at D.A. Davidson. “The combination of Approved Networks and Champion ONE will create a leading provider of independent fiber optic products with compelling market opportunities across a variety of geographies.”

“We are incredibly thankful for the advice and expertise delivered by the D.A. Davidson technology investment banking team working on this transaction,” Kurt Dunteman, CEO of Approved Networks, said. “Their buyer knowledge, transaction proficiency, and ability to drive an efficient process delivered an impressive outcome that has us excited about our next phase of growth.”

D.A. Davidson’s investment banking division is a leading full-service investment bank that offers comprehensive financial advisory and capital markets expertise. The group has extensive transaction experience serving middle market clients worldwide across five industry verticals: consumer, diversified industrials, financial institutions, real estate and technology.

Together with its European strategic partner, MCF Corporate Finance, D.A. Davidson originates and executes transatlantic M&A transactions under the common brand of D.A. Davidson MCF International.

About D.A. Davidson Companies

D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Montana, with corporate offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle, the company has approximately 1,400 employees and offices in 26 states.

Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., the largest full-service investment firm headquartered in the Northwest, providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company; and Davidson Fixed Income Management, a registered investment adviser providing fixed income portfolio and advisory services.

For more information, visit dadavidson.com.