Champion ONE, a designer, marketer, and supplier of optical networking components worldwide, announced its merger with Approved Networks and its affiliate, U.S. Critical, two leaders in the programming, testing, and distribution of network solutions. The combined company will continue to operate under the Champion ONE, Approved, and U.S. Critical brands, and will be headed by Pete Kirchof, Champion ONE’s executive chairman. Kurt Dunteman, Approved Network’s co-founder and chief executive officer, will serve as chief revenue officer of the unified company.