This week saw one of the biggest mergers in history in the telecom vendor space, with the $16.5 billion acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent by Nokia Networks, leading to the creation of a combined entity that is touted to be the largest company serving mobile operators worldwide. The acquisition also sees Nokia gaining access to Alcatel-Lucent’s famed Bell Labs research arm. The merger is aimed at giving the combined entity a stronger, broader reach while eliminating overlapping costs as part of the new entity's strategy to bolster its financial performance.
To support the integration of business operations of both companies, Nokia has announced the appointment of Jorg Erlemeier who currently leads Global Services in Nokia Networks' Europe market as the Integration Planning Head, to ensure smooth transitioning of both companies into a single unit. According to Nokia Networks, Jorg who joined Nokia in 1994, has a proven track record in the telecommunications industry with more than 20 years of experience. In his new role, which will take effect immediately, Jorg will report to Nokia President and CEO, Rajeev Suri and will be establishing an Integration Steering Board that will provide the structure, processes and working team needed to set up the required plans for the combined company.
Rajeev Suri, CEO, Nokia Networks
With a strong leader like Jorg in place, we can have confidence that the right integration planning will be underway, leaving the vast majority of the people in Nokia able to keep their attention where it matters: on our customers and our business performance.
