Ericsson to divest its TEMS-branded products business to Ascom
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) today announced it has entered into an agreement to divest its TEMS-branded products business, consisting of tools for air interface monitoring and radio network planning, to Ascom. The agreement involves the transfer of about 300 employees of which around 180 are based in Sweden. The transaction is expected to close in June, 2009. With the divestment, Ericsson is refining its leading Professional Services portfolio to focus more purely on the services business.
Ericsson's TEMS-branded products business provides tools for air interface monitoring and radio network planning. These solutions facilitate planning, implementation and optimization of networks. The TEMS brand is widely recognized as the industry leader and its products are supplied to the world's top 20 wireless service operators. The purchase price is CHF 190 million, excluding net of assets and liabilities.
With the divestment, Ericsson is refining its leading Professional services portfolio, to focus more purely on the service business. With its strong focus on telecom services it has become of limited strategic value to Ericsson to keep the TEMS products business within the company.
Ericsson believes that this transaction will allow the TEMS business to further realize its growth potential, while adding significant competence, well-known and industry leading products and a sizable customer base to Ascom. This will also be a positive step for Ericsson's customers, partners and employees, reaping the benefits from this divestment.
The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. JP Morgan acts as sole financial advisor to Ericsson in the transaction.
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 250 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of 27 billion (SEK 209 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm and NASDAQ stock exchanges.
For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Corporate Public and Media Relations
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E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
Ericsson Investor Relations
Ericsson Investor Relations
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E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
Ericsson discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on March 23, 2009, 7.00 pm CET.
About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how in Mission-Critical Communication. The company concentrates on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army). The company has subsidiaries in 16 countries and a workforce of some 2,000 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.
For further information contact:
Daniel Lack, General Secretary & Director of Corporate Communications
Phone +41 44 823 1330
Fax +41 44 823 1333
E-mail: daniel.lack@ascom.com