2009-11-09 23:49:04 -

Ciena ® Corporation (NASDAQ: CIEN), the network specialist, today announced that it has received regulatory clearances regarding its proposed acquisition of substantially all of Nortel’s optical networking and carrier Ethernet assets. In the United States, Ciena was granted early termination of the antitrust waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. In addition, Ciena also has received from the Canadian Competition Bureau a

no action letter, terminating the applicable waiting period for the proposed transaction under the Competition Act.

As a result of Nortel’s restructuring process, the proposed transaction remains subject to a competitive bidding process.

The proposed transaction also requires the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and is subject to additional regional regulatory clearances as well as to customary closing conditions.

Additional information about this proposed transaction is available on Ciena’s website at www.ciena.com : .



About Ciena

Ciena specializes in practical network transition. We offer leading network infrastructure solutions, intelligent software and a comprehensive services practice to help our customers use their networks to fundamentally change the way they compete. With a global presence, Ciena leverages its heritage of practical innovation to deliver maximum performance and economic value in communications networks worldwide. We routinely post recent news, financial results and other important announcements and information about Ciena on our website. For more information, visit www.ciena.com : .



Note to Investors

Forward-looking statements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ciena's expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. These statements are based on information available to Ciena as of the date hereof and actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with Ciena’s business, which include the risk factors disclosed in Ciena’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 3, 2009. Risks relating to the proposed transaction include, but are not limited to: bankruptcy and regulatory approvals may not be obtained; the anticipated benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction may not be realized; the integration could be materially delayed or may be more costly or difficult than expected; and the proposed transaction may not be consummated. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


Ciena CorporationPress Contact:Nicole Anderson,

410-694–5786 pr@ciena.com : mailto:pr@ciena.com orInvestor
Contact:Suzanne DuLong, 888-243–6223 ir@ciena.com : mailto:ir@ciena.com