ATLANTA, July 11, 2025 – Bird Loechl McCants & Holliday (BLM&H) represented global optical fiber and connectivity leader Lightera, LLC, part of the Japan-based Furukawa Electric Group, on its negotiation of a strategic collaboration agreement and acquisition of a 7.24% stock holding of Virginia-based public company Optical Cable Corporation (NASDAQ: OCC).
BLM&H corporate and securities partner, W. Hunter Holliday, led the firm’s transaction team and worked closely with associate, Quincy Jackson, to advise Lightera on all aspects of the transaction. BLM&H associated the Washington, D.C. office of Alston & Bird LLP to advise Lightera on antitrust matters (Adam Biegel and Abigail Cessna), and the Atlanta office of Alston & Bird LLP to advise Lightera on securities matters (Kyle Healy).
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, Lightera provides high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. The Furukawa Electric Group is a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications and includes Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., a publicly-traded Japanese company included in the Nikkei 225 index.
Based in Roanoke, Virginia, with additional offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities located near Asheville, North Carolina and Dallas, Texas, OCC is internationally recognized as a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic cable and copper cabling and connectivity solutions. OCC offers integrated suites of high-performing, high-quality products that function as a complete system or seamlessly integrate with other components
“We recognize the importance of this strategic joint effort with OCC and the potential opportunities it brings to expand Lightera’s presence in the data center and enterprise Passive Optical LAN sectors,” said Holly Hulse, Lightera’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
Robert D. Lake, Lightera’s Senior Vice President – Legal & Secretary, added, “Hunter Holliday has served as Lightera’s outside corporate counsel for over 20 years and has advised Lightera on acquisitions, strategic collaborations, and investments across a range of private and public companies with national and global footprints. Lightera regards Hunter and BLM&H as trusted advisers and partners in our company’s pursuit of strategic growth opportunities and corporate legal matters.”
About BLM&H
Over more than three decades, Bird Loechl McCants & Holliday has grown to become a leading U.S. law firm helping companies, organizations and individuals solve their most complex legal matters. The firm delivers tailored solutions and world-class work product with an uncompromising approach to service and quality. More information is available at www.blmhlaw.com.
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