Alcatel has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Nortel to acquire its UMTS radio access business (UTRAN) and related assets for USD 320 million.
The proposed acquisition would enhance Alcatel’s industry-leading mobile radio expertise and product portfolio with technology and products that enjoy strong recognition among leading operators such as the Vodafone and Orange groups. Alcatel also intends to benefit from significantly strengthened research and development capabilities, amongst the most advanced in the world, with the scale and know-how to lead innovation in broadband wireless access, especially in HSxPA and 3G Long-Term Evolution (3G LTE), fully leveraging Alcatel’s expertise in multi-standard radio solutions and Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology.
Under the transaction, Alcatel intends to acquire Nortel’s UMTS radio access technology and product portfolio, associated patents and tangible assets as well as customer contracts. It is anticipated that a significant majority of employees of Nortel’s UMTS access business, will be transferred to Alcatel.
Following the transaction, Alcatel would serve an additional fourteen UMTS customers around the world for a combined global footprint that amounts to one in four UMTS operators. Alcatel would also significantly reinforce its presence with Tier-1 operators, especially in world-leading 3G markets such as South Korea, Italy, Spain, France, and the UK. While strengthening its presence in developed mobile markets, the transaction would also put Alcatel in a unique position to serve the needs of major upcoming 3G markets, such as China and other key fast-growing regions, where the company already enjoys a strong GSM/EDGE footprint.
«This deal will be a win-win for both companies and our customers», said Richard Lowe, president, Mobility and Converged Core Networks, Nortel. «We will work closely with our UMTS access customers during the planned transition to make it as seamless as possible and will continue to provide the best support for other Nortel solutions deployed in their networks ».
The acquisition is subject to the execution of a definitive agreement and other closing conditions. The parties are targeting to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2006.
2006-09-01
Em Foco – Empresa