ADC will shore up its fiber-to-the-X strategy via the acquisition of Fiber Optic Network Solutions Corp. for $172 million.

FONS is a manufacturer of high-performance passive optical components and fiber optic cable packaging, distribution and connectivity products. It had 2005 sales of about $95 million.

“FONS is a high-quality connectivity business that fits well with our strategy for capturing the strong growth potential of the FTTX market, which is in the early stages of its growth curve. This acquisition more than doubles our FTTX outside plant business to greater than 10 percent of total ADC sales,” said ADC President & CEO Robert Switz.

Upon closing, FONS President & CEO Michael Noonan will become VP of business development for ADC’s Global Connectivity Solutions division.