ESPOO, Finland and PARIS -- Today, Nokia Siemens Networks has expressed its intention to conclude an asset sale and transfer agreement with Devoteam Group for its Development Center in Herentals, Belgium The anticipated signing is expected to take place by the end of September. As part of the deal, all development activities in Herentals with the exception of Open Transport Network (OTN) will be transferred to Devoteam Group. Approximately 160 transferred employees are planned to become fully integrated into the operations of Devoteam Group.

Consistent with Nokia Siemens Networks’ plans announced on May 4, transferring R&D capabilities to trusted business partners is part of realizing Nokia Siemens Networks’ overall synergy saving target. The synergy savings are necessary to build a competitive business for the future.

“Nokia and Siemens, the parent companies of Nokia Siemens Networks, have successfully partnered with Devoteam Group over recent years,” said Mika Vehviläinen, Chief Operating Officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. “This agreement is good for Devoteam Group and for the employees of Nokia Siemens Networks. It gives Nokia Siemens Networks additional flexibility and transfers people to a strong partner where their competencies will be a natural fit.”

Nokia Networks