Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

NOTE 17 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Acquisition related

The Company recorded two contingent liabilities related to the acquisition of Simena, one relates to future consideration to be paid to the former owner which had an initial fair value of $8.0 million at the time of acquisition and another relates to contractual non-compliance liabilities incurred by Simena with an initial fair value of $1.6 million at the time of acquisition. At March 31, 2012, the present value of the future consideration was $8.2 million and the contractual non-compliance liability was $700 thousand.

Legal

From time to time, NetScout is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate expense with respect to any current legal proceedings and claims, if determined adversely, will not have a significant adverse effect on NetScout's financial position or results of operations.

In March 2012, NetScout uncovered and investigated, and in April 2012, disclosed to the U.S. Department of Justice and the California State Attorney General potential violations of federal and California state anti-trust laws. The potential violations involve a former employee and one or more third parties in connection with sales to state governmental agencies during FY 2012. NetScout believes it did not benefit from any of the transactions uncovered and that the amounts involved are not believed at this time to be material. It is possible that the U.S. Department of Justice and/or the California State Attorney General may conduct an investigation into the matter. NetScout is cooperating fully and intends to provide any requested information if asked. In general, the federal and state agencies have the authority to seek fines and other remedies for anti-trust violations; however, no charges or proceedings have been initiated by any governmental agency against NetScout. The Company determined that it is probable that there will be amounts due, those amounts are reasonably estimable and have been accrued as an immaterial liability as of March 31, 2012.

Leases

NetScout leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases. Total rent expense under the leases was $5.6 million, $5.6 million and $6.5 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of March 31, 2012, future non-cancelable minimum lease commitments (including office space, copiers and automobiles) are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending March 31,
2013	$	4,639
2014		3,652
2015		3,725
2016		3,765
2017		3,755
Remaining years		19,357
Total minimum lease payments	$	38,893