Ericsson to acquire North American carrier grade Wi-Fi company BelAir Networks

• 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

TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - 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

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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.

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