Ericsson to Acquire North American Carrier Grade Wi-Fi Company BelAir Networks
(firmenpresse) - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN -- (Marketwire) -- 02/21/12 --
* Acquisition of BelAir Networks will enable Ericsson to complement its
heterogeneous network (hetnet) offering with carrier grade Wi-Fi
* Ericsson's hetnet with carrier grade Wi-Fi integrated into the networks
will
enable operators to further improve the mobile broadband user
experience
* Ericsson to offer a leading carrier grade Wi-Fi solution in combination
with
its global presence of mobile solutions and service capabilities
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced that it has entered into an
agreement to
acquire 100% of the shares in the privately-held Canadian Wi-Fi company
BelAir
Networks. Through this transaction, Ericsson will acquire a strong carrier
grade
Wi-Fi portfolio, technological expertise, IPR, and established customer
contracts and relationships. The terms of the transaction were not
disclosed.
Wi-Fi technology is an important part of the overall mobile broadband user
experience and is rapidly becoming a standard feature in smartphones, PCs,
tablets and in other consumer electronics devices.
The demand for Wi-Fi technology in mobile networks will continue to grow
over
the coming years. This is brought on by the growth of mobile broadband as
well
as the increase in cloud-based services and other high data-consuming
functions
and features. To meet this growing demand, Ericsson launched its Network
Integrated Wi-Fi solution in September 2011.
Ericsson is now taking the next step towards a truly integrated network.
The
combination of Ericsson's mobile infrastructure technology leadership and
BelAir
Networks' leading position in carrier grade Wi-Fi equipment will accelerate
the
integration of Wi-Fi and cellular technologies. The acquisition of BelAir
Networks will be part of Ericsson's heterogeneous network (hetnet) strategy
to
improve the mobile broadband experience by managing the co-existence of
mobile
technologies and Wi-Fi.
The BelAir Networks' indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi systems enable service
providers
to build scalable, high performance Wi-Fi networks. The company develops
mobile
networking solutions that are deployed by service providers including AT&T
and
Comcast.
BelAir Networks has a clear focus on carrier grade Wi-Fi where the company
today
holds both a market and technology leading position. Established in 2002,
BelAir
Networks is based in Ottawa, Ontario and has approximately 120 employees.
BelAir
Networks' employees will join Ericsson's global organization.
"Ericsson will lead the way in the growing converged Wi-Fi and cellular
market
where improved end-user experience is the driving force. By integrating
BelAir
Networks' market-leading products and competence into Ericsson's existing
radio
portfolio, we will be able to do this more quickly. We welcome 120 highly
skilled people into the company," said Hans Vestberg, CEO of Ericsson.
"By focusing on the needs of leading service providers, BelAir Networks has
achieved industry leadership with our unique portfolio of carrier-grade Wi-
Fi"
said Bernard Herscovich, CEO of BelAir Networks "This transaction is a
natural
step in the continued development of BelAir Networks and we believe that
Ericsson presents a strategic and cultural fit."
The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of 2012, subject
to
customary closing conditions.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room:
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of communications technology and
services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time
solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely,
in
sustainable societies around the world.
Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within
Information
and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries.
Today
more than 40 percent of the world's mobile traffic goes through Ericsson
networks and we support customers' networks servicing more than 2 billion
subscribers.
We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in
1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011 the company
had
revenues of SEK 226,9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on
NASDAQ
OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.
Press Release (PDF):
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Source: Ericsson via Thomson Reuters ONE
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Datum: 21.02.2012 - 12:38 Uhr
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News-ID 116588
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Kategorie:
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