Telecommunications gear provider Tekelec (Nasdaq: TKLC) is acquiring a Texas-based startup focused on an emerging signaling technology.

Estacado Systems, which launched in 2004, is developing session initiation protocol, or SIP, applications.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tekelec said it had acquired “substantially all” Estacado’s assets.

The acquisition was announced late Tuesday. Tekelec shares closed at $11.79. The Morrisville-based company will announce quarterly earnings on Thursday.

“As the world leader in signaling, Tekelec is known for innovation and aggressive R&D investment,” said Tekelec Chief Executive Officer Frank Plastina. “As networks continue to migrate, our customers depend on us to provide them with the industry’s most advanced signaling solutions. With this acquisition, we’re extending our depth in SIP-based intellectual property – bringing some of the industry’s most talented and well-known SIP experts in house – to accelerate the development of next-generation and IMS solutions for our customers.”

Founders of the company include SIP developers Ajay Deo, Ben Campbell, Adam Roach and Robert Sparks. They are actively involved in such groups as the SIP Forum and the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Estacado personnel will remain based in Dallas.