To: djane who wrote (47296 ) 5/21/1998 9:48:00 AM From: djane Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 61433
Ericsson eyes Silicon Valley firms [Everyone is trying to emulate CSCO's model. Why hasn't ASND made any acquisitions in a long time?] By Reuters Special to CNET NEWS.COM May 21, 1998, 6:00 a.m. PT news.com MELBOURNE--Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson today signaled interest in acquisitions in Silicon Valley to stay ahead of the mobile communications revolution. Ericsson chief executive Sven-Christer Nilsson said he was looking at selected takeovers as well as alliances to expand on its own efforts to merge mobile telephony and computing. "We are looking for small and medium-sized companies that we can acquire in full or in part," Nilsson told reporters during a visit to Australia. "We're looking for good acquisitions wherever they are and it happens to be today that the drive for the development in this area is located in the United States in Silicon Valley," he added. Ericsson is working with others in the telecommunications and computer industries to introduce a technology to allow seamless communications between mobile phones and computers. As reported yesterday, Ericsson, Japan's Toshiba, Finland's Nokia, U.S.-based Intel, and IBM revealed a new "open" standard, Bluetooth, which they hope will revolutionize communications on the move. Telecom analysts described the news as a leap ahead for convergence between the communications and computer industries. Bluetooth uses short-range radio signals to connect devices--eliminating cables and problems with compatibility. By putting Silicon Valley on its shopping list, Ericsson is eyeing software companies that are developing applications for this new age of mobile communications, a company source said. "Through a combination of organic growth, selected acquisitions, and partnerships with independent companies, Ericsson is focused on becoming a full service provider to the newly converged industry," Nilsson said. "Our strategy is to enhance our ability to partner with companies in this new world and provide our customers with the best possible service into and throughout the next millennium." Nilsson took the reins of Ericsson in January and is touring its businesses and staff in Australia, New Zealand, and China. He would not predict the impact of Asia's economic downturn on Ericsson's profits, but said similar crises in Latin American markets had resolved themselves in about two years. In any case, he added, growth in China, Taiwan, and Japan was offsetting sales declines in other parts of the region. Story Copyright c 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Go to Front Door | Business | Search Short takes | One Week View Copyright c 1995-98 CNET, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.