Ericsson acquires Edgecom

Ericsson acquires Edgecom Ericsson Radio Systems has acquired Edgecom, a telecoms consultancy company, in a deal aimed at supporting the growth of Ericsson Mobile's business consulting services throughout the world. The company will provide high-level consultancy and continue Ericsson's ongoing commitment to customer services. Edgecom will provide consultancy services to Ericsson customers, with the focus on making them more competitive and profitable. It will provide new network licence holders with comprehensive knowledge and rapid market entry. Edgecom will also serve operators who do not currently use Ericsson equipment and are seeking to develop business opportunities in strategy, organisation, processes and systems. Edgecom will be owned by Ericsson Radio Systems and run as a commercially independent company of the Telecom Management Solutions (TMS) business unit. Telecom Management Solutions (TMS) General Manager Bo Carlgren said, "Edgecom's consultancy profile within mobile telecommunications is very similar to that of TMS. The acquisition is a perfect match in competencies between Ericsson's experience in developing, installing and servicing networks, and Edgecom's introduction of an independent consultant culture." "By acquiring Edgecom, Ericsson Radio Systems has established a platform for separating consulting from selling and installing systems," Bo Carlgren continues. Sten Lundqvist, Managing Director of Edgecom, said, "Edgecom is a global telecoms consultancy with the flexibility of a local one. To be owned by Ericsson will give us the possibility to expand with more opportunities to use our skills and competence world wide." Edgecom, established in April 1997 as a subsidiary of Unisource NV, reported a turnover of USD 4 million (SEK 32 million) in its first nine months of business. The company's 30 employees who are based in Stockholm and London provide general business consultancy within the mobile telephony area. Telecom Management Solutions (TMS) is a business unit within Ericsson Mobile Systems, delivering business solutions and consultancy services to network operators around the world. TMS provides expertise in both commercial and technical aspects of network operations. Ericsson´s 100,000 employees are active in more than 130 countries. Their combined expertise in fixed and mobile networks, mobile phones and infocom systems makes Ericsson a world-leading supplier in telecommunications. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Bo Carlgren, General Manager, Telecom Management Solutions Ericsson Radio Systems Phone: +46 8 757 1260, E-mail: bo.carlgren@era.ericsson.se Sten Lundqvist, Managing Director Edgecom Phone: +46 8 688 2500, E-mail: s.lundqvist@edgecom.com Eric Österberg, Communications Director Ericsson Business Area Mobile Systems Phone: +46 8 757 2159, E-mail: eric.osterberg@era.ericsson.se