Nokia Networks completes transfer of wireless network business of Panasonic...appoints Bernard Najm for Middle East and Africa

Pursuant to the announcement they made on July 31, 2014, Nokia Networks has now completed the business transfer of a part of the wireless network business of Panasonic System Networks Company Limited in Japan. As originally stated, this includes the transfer of fixed assets, employees and relevant contracts from Panasonic to Nokia Networks.

The agreement covers Panasonic’s mobile phone wireless base station system business for mobile operators and related wireless equipment system business. This acquisition enhances Nokia Networks’ existing mobile broadband capabilities and is expected to reinforce and further improve efficiency and quality control for product development and R&D, as well as strengthen its market share for base station systems and related wireless equipment in Japan.

The acquisition includes:

·         Panasonic’s LTE/3G wireless base station system business

·         Related wireless equipment system business

·         Fixed assets and business contracts with Panasonic’s customers get transferred to Nokia Networks       Japan

·         More than 300 Panasonic employees involved in the transferring business.

Ashish Chowdhary, Chief Business Officer at Nokia Networks, said: “With this acquisition, Nokia Networks will single-handedly contribute towards the domestic and overseas business of Japan’s operators, and also benefit from synergies in terms of efficient product operations and focused R&D efforts. Furthermore, this acquisition also provides us with the opportunity to tap the potential of the Carrier Mobile System market – a key focus area for our business in Japan.”

With proven base station technology, along with an industry-leading portfolio and strong footprint in the Carrier Mobile System Market, Panasonic is one of the most trusted brands in Japan’s telecommunications landscape.

Meanwhile, Nokia Networks has also announced the appointment of Bernard Najm as vice president and head of its business in Middle East and Africa, effective December 15, 2014. Najm, who will be based in Dubai, is currently leading the business in the sub-region called “SKIL” - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Levant that includes Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

Najm has 18 years of experience with a wide competence base covering management, business and technical aspects in mobile and fixed telecom networks. He has been serving the company since 1996 and has held several senior management positions in several countries in Europe and the Middle East. He holds a Masters degree in Telecommunications and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering.

Until a new head for the SKIL sub-region is appointed, Najm will continue to lead the sub-region in addition to his new responsibilities. Najm takes over from Igor Leprince, who has assumed the leadership of Global Services, on November 4, 2014.

Middle East and Africa remains an important market for Nokia Networks’ mobile broadband business. As the world’s specialist in mobile broadband, the company is committed to helping its operator customers in the region to build and run world-class mobile broadband networks smoothly and cost efficiently.