Ericsson to acquire Nortel's North American GSM business

This announcement follows the completion of the auction process initiated by Nortel, and the transaction is subject to approval by courts in the US and Canada and customary regulatory approvals and other conditions. Ericsson's bid for Nortel's GSM assets was made together with Kapsch CarrierCom of Austria. Under the agreements, Ericsson is acquiring certain assets of Nortel's GSM business in North America while Kapsch is paying USD 33 million to acquire most of the remaining assets outside North America. Ericsson acquires an installed GSM base, which expands its North American footprint. The acquisition further strengthens Ericsson's ability to serve North America's leading wireless operators, which now benefit from the strength of the combined resources in an experienced and financially strong company. "Along with our recent acquisition of Nortel's CDMA and LTE assets, the transaction emphasizes Ericsson's commitment to the North American market and strengthens our position as a leading provider of telecommunications technology and services in the United States and Canada" said Hans Vestberg, incoming President and CEO of Ericsson. "Our Ericsson family will be once again enriched by the addition of the valuable Nortel employees." The agreement includes the transfer of important GSM business with North American operators such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Under the agreement Ericsson will offer employment to approximately 350 employees from Nortel. Nortel's North American GSM operations generated approximately USD 400 million in 2008. The acquired operations will contribute top- and bottom-line additions to Ericsson. The transaction is expected to have a positive effect on Ericsson's earnings within a year after closing. Consummation of the transaction is subject to approval by the United States and Canadian Bankruptcy Courts and the satisfaction of regulatory and other conditions. SEB Enskilda is acting as Ericsson's sole financial advisor in the transaction.