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Espoo, Finland and Geneva, Switzerland - Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and
STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) today announced their intention to deepen
their collaboration on the licensing and supply of integrated circuit
designs and modem technologies for 3G and its evolution. The two
companies also are negotiating a plan relating to transferring a part
of Nokia's Integrated Circuit (IC) operations to STMicroelectronics.
The multifaceted agreement will enable STMicroelectronics to design and manufacture
3G chipsets based on Nokia's modem technologies, energy management and RF (radio
frequency) technology and deliver complete solutions to Nokia and the open market.
At the same time, Nokia and STMicroelectronics are negotiating Nokia's IC operations
transfer plan and accordingly, in order to reorganize and effect the planned competence
transfer Nokia will start the personnel consultation process required by local
regulations with its personnel representatives. The transfer is anticipated to
concern approximately 200 Nokia employees in Finland and the UK, and it is estimated
to take place during the fourth quarter 2007.
Nokia has also awarded ST a design win of an advanced 3G HSPA ((high-speed packet
access) chipset supporting high data rates, which would be the first contribution
of the acquired IC design operations. This design win represents ST's first win
of a complete 3G chipset.
The collaboration between Nokia and STMicroelectronics is in line with the renewal
of Nokia's chipset strategy. Nokia will continue to develop its leading-edge modem
technology, which includes protocol software and related digital design for WCDMA/GSM
and its evolution. This modem technology will then be licensed to chipset manufacturers
who will develop and produce chipsets for Nokia. These manufacturers will also
be able to produce and sell to the open market chipsets based on Nokia's modem
technology.
"Nokia's strategy will be to collaborate with its semiconductor partners for
full chipset solutions," said Niklas Savander, Executive Vice President, Technology
Platforms, Nokia. "We have worked with STMicroelectronics for many years and the
company is a perfect partner for this expanded collaboration."
"We are excited about the possibilities that the intended IC technology transfer
will bring us," said Tommi Uhari, Executive Vice President and General Manager
of ST's Mobile, Multimedia & Communications Group. "The intended IC technology
transfer, with the world-class engineering skills and licensing of Nokia's world-leading
3G modem technologies, will enhance our relationship with Nokia and will improve
our competitive position."
The effectiveness of the licensing agreement remains conditional on the completion
of the contemplated transactions.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth
of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range
of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video,
television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia
also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor
solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled
combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual
Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront
of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling
today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock
Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Company's
net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information
on ST can be found at www.st.com.
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