Paris, France and Espoo, Finland - Nokias President and Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Suri met today with Emmanuel Macron, Frances Minister of Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs, to formally affirm Nokias commitment to driving innovation in France and, globally, from France, that will result from Nokias proposed combination with Alcatel-Lucent. Todays announcement follows an open and fruitful dialogue between Nokia and the French Government since the proposed combination was announced in April 2015. In its discussions with the French Government, Nokia has confirmed that France will play a leading role in the combined entitys Research and Development (R&D) operations. Nokia will build on the strong competencies in the country within key technology areas, on the existing presence of Alcatel-Lucent and its strong engagement in the technology ecosystem in France, and on the excellent new technical talent available from French universities.
Nokia intends to leverage Alcatel-Lucents existing capabilities in R&D and its strong talent base through worldwide technology centers located in France that will focus on 5G and Small Cells, Cyber-security and privacy, Bell Labs, Wireless Transmission, Optical transmission, and IP platforms.
Nokia expects to benefit from becoming a deeply embedded part of France, tapping into and helping develop the technology ecosystem of the country. Nokia will invest further in the digital innovation ecosystem in France following the completion of the transaction, primarily through the establishment of a long-term investment fund in the range of EUR 100 million. This fund will mainly target the Internet of Things, cyber-security and software platform enablers for next generation networks.
Nokia intends to support the development of the overall telecom ecosystem in France and to ensure continuity of Alcatel-Lucents current initiatives. This involves playing an active role in the governments Industry of the Future program, funding academic tuition, programs and chairs, situating technology experts within France (such as within Bell Labs France), and continuing Alcatel-Lucents involvement in major initiatives such as P les de comp titivit Systematic, Cap Digital, and Images and R seaux. Nokia will also develop three industrial platforms and networks prototypes in France within the fields of 5G, Industrial Internet / Internet of Things connectivity and cyber-security.
As previously announced, Nokia has also committed to maintaining employment in France that is consistent with Alcatel-Lucents Shift Plan commitments for a period of at least two years after completion of the proposed transaction. R&D capacity is planned to be increased from 2 000 to 2 500 employees over the next three years, including the recruitment of at least 300 new graduates. The R&D employment level will be maintained for a period of at least four years after completion of the proposed transaction.
Following the completion of the transaction, Nokia, which will remain headquartered in Finland, intends to leverage the combined strengths of the companies strategic business locations and major R&D centers in other countries, including Finland, Germany, the United States and China.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. It remains subject to a number of other closing conditions, such as Nokia shareholder approvals, Nokia holding over 50.00% of Alcatel-Lucents fully diluted share capital following completion of the exchange offer, receipt of the remaining regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Nokia has committed, upon completion of the transaction, to providing regular updates to the French government as the integration of the two companies progresses.
About Nokia
By focusing on the human possibilities of technology, Nokia embraces the connected world to help people thrive. Our three businesses are leaders in their fields: Nokia Networks provides broadband infrastructure, software and services; HERE provides mapping, navigation and location intelligence; and Nokia Technologies provides advanced technology development and licensing. http://www.nokia.com
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent is the leading IP networking, ultra-broadband access and cloud technology specialist. It is dedicated to making global communications more innovative, sustainable and accessible for people, businesses and governments worldwide. Its mission is to invent and deliver trusted networks to help its customers unleash their value. Every success has its network.
For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com, read the latest posts on the Alcatel-Lucent blog http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/blog and follow the Company on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Alcatel_Lucent.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Nokias and Alcatel-Lucents current expectations and views of future events and developments. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by terms and phrases such as expect, will and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to the expected timing of closing of the proposed transaction and satisfaction of conditions precedent, including regulatory conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of future performance, taking into account the information currently available to us. These forward-lo
