Intel to Buy Optical Networking Firms

Intel Corp. agreed to buy three privately held companies that make components for optical networking equipment as the world’s largest chip maker continues its push into new markets beyond its bread-and-butter microprocessor business. Intel paid about $400 million for Newark, Calif.-based LightLogic Inc., a maker of gear that converts optical signals into digital signals, an Intel spokesman said. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company paid about $66 million for NSerial Corp., also based in Santa Clara, which makes high-speed electronic components that convert electrical signals into the language used by networking devices. Intel did not disclose how much it paid for Los Angeles-based Cognet Inc., a maker of components that process electrical signals in optical modules after those signals have been converted from light waves. Intel shares fell $1.18 to close at $29.14 on Nasdaq.