SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Ciena Corporation

Delaware (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)		0-21969 (Commission File Number)		23-2725311 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1201 Winterson Road Linthicum, MD (Address of Principal Executive Offices)		21090 (Zip Code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

ITEM 7.01 — REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE

By its press release dated October 5, 2009, Ciena confirmed that it is in negotiation to purchase substantially all of the optical networking and carrier Ethernet assets of Nortel’s Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN) business. A copy of this press release has been furnished with this report as Exhibit 99.1.

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of Ciena, whether made before or after the date of this report, regardless of any general incorporation language in the filing.

ITEM 9.01 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(c) The following exhibit is being filed herewith:

Exhibit Number		Description of Document
Exhibit 99.1		Press Release dated October 5, 2009, issued by Ciena Corporation

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Exhibit 99.1

		Press Contact:		Nicole Anderson
				Ciena Corporation
				(410) 694–5786
				pr@ciena.com
		Investor Contact:		Suzanne DuLong
				Ciena Corporation
				(888) 243–6223
				ir@ciena.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ciena In Negotiations to Purchase Optical and Carrier Ethernet Assets of Nortel’s Metro Ethernet
Networks Business

LINTHICUM, Md., — October 5, 2009 — Ciena® Corporation (NASDAQ: CIEN), the network specialist, today confirmed that it is in advanced discussions to acquire substantially all of the optical networking and carrier Ethernet assets of Nortel’s Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN) business. The outcome of these discussions is uncertain and subject to negotiation of definitive agreements. Any agreements would be subject to a competitive bidding process under the United States Bankruptcy Code and the Canadian Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.

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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, there can be no assurance that definitive purchase agreements can be reached. Ciena assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.