Tracing the DNA of Nokia through its many mergers and acquisitions

 Nokia’s recent announcement to acquire Infinera marks another significant step in the company’s extensive history of mergers and acquisitions. This deal aims to enhance Nokia’s networking capabilities, solidifying its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry. Over the years, Nokia has strategically acquired companies like Alcatel-Lucent in 2016, which greatly expanded its telecommunications equipment and services portfolio. This merger itself was a combination of Alcatel and Lucent Technologies, highlighting the layers of consolidation that have shaped Nokia into a global powerhouse.

Alongside these acquisitions, Nokia has been actively restructuring to streamline its operations and enhance profitability. As part of a strategic plan announced in October 2023, Nokia aims to empower its business groups with more autonomy and agility. This includes embedding sales teams directly into business groups to better align with customer needs and seize growth opportunities. The restructuring plan targets a reduction in the cost base by EUR 800–1,200 million by the end of 2026, involving significant operational changes and a projected reduction in personnel from 86,000 to between 72,000 and 77,000 employees. This restructuring is designed to ensure Nokia’s long-term sustainability and competitive edge in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

Nokia’s strategy focuses on leveraging its technological leadership and innovation to drive growth. The company emphasizes investments in 5G, cloud, and digital infrastructure to support future capabilities. By aligning its operations with market demands and enhancing its cost-efficiency, Nokia aims to maintain its position as a B2B technology innovation leader, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of digitalization across various industries .

Here is a timeline of Nokia’s mergers, acquisitions, and strategic moves:

• 2021: Nokia acquired Deepfield, a network analytics company.

• 2021: Nokia formed a joint venture with China Huaxin, effectively withdrawing from direct operations in the Chinese mobile network market.

• 2020: Nokia acquired Elenion Technologies, a US-based company specializing in silicon photonics technology.

• 2020: Nokia acquired Unium, a software company specializing in mesh Wi-Fi technology for enhancing home networking solutions.

• 2016: Nokia acquired Withings, a French consumer electronics company specializing in health-related products (later rebranded as Nokia Health).

• 2016: Nokia acquired Alcatel-Lucent, significantly expanding Nokia’s presence in telecommunications equipment and services.

• 2016: Nokia sold its HERE digital mapping and location services business to a consortium of German automotive companies (Audi, BMW, and Daimler).

• 2015: Nokia acquired Siemens’ stake in the Nokia Siemens Networks joint venture, renaming it Nokia Networks.

• 2014: Nokia sold its Devices and Services division to Microsoft, which included the Lumia smartphone business.

• 2010: Nokia acquired MetaCarta, a company specializing in geographic search and referencing software.

• 2008: Nokia acquired Trolltech, a company known for its Qt development framework.

• 2008: Nokia acquired Navteq, a digital map data and location-based services company.

• 2006: Nokia acquired Intellisync, a mobile software and device management company.

• 2006: Nokia sold its mobile phone manufacturing plant in Bochum, Germany, amid restructuring efforts.

• 1998: Nokia acquired Technophone, a UK-based mobile phone manufacturer.

• 1997: Nokia acquired Ipsilon Networks, a company specializing in IP switching.

• 1991: Nokia acquired Mobira, a company specializing in radio telephones, marking its entry into the mobile phone market.

• 1988: Nokia sold its television manufacturing business to Finlux, exiting the consumer electronics market.

Alcatel-Lucent Pre-Acquisition by Nokia:

• 2014: Alcatel-Lucent acquired Optoplan, a provider of fiber-optic sensing technology.

• 2011: Alcatel-Lucent acquired OpenPlug, a mobile software company specializing in application development environments.

• 2011: Alcatel-Lucent acquired Kailight Photonics, an optical networking technology company.

• 2011: Alcatel-Lucent acquired the remaining stakes in LGS Innovations, focusing on secure networking solutions for the US government.

• 2010: Alcatel-Lucent acquired Velocix, a digital media delivery company.

• 2009: Alcatel-Lucent acquired ReachView Technologies, a provider of network operations and field maintenance services.

• 2008: Alcatel-Lucent acquired Motive, Inc., a provider of service management software for broadband and mobile data services.

• 2007: Alcatel-Lucent acquired Tropic Networks, a Canadian optical networking company.

• 2006: Alcatel merged with Lucent Technologies to form Alcatel-Lucent.

Lucent Technologies Timeline:

• 2005: Lucent Technologies acquired Riverstone Networks, a supplier of carrier Ethernet products.

• 2004: Lucent Technologies acquired Telica, a provider of next-generation switching technology.

• 2002: Lucent spun off Agere Systems, its semiconductor business.

• 2001: Lucent spun off Avaya, its enterprise communications systems and services unit.

• 2000: Lucent Technologies acquired Chromatis Networks, a maker of metropolitan area network optical systems.

• 2000: Lucent Technologies acquired Spring Tide Networks, a provider of IP service switches.

• 1999: Lucent Technologies acquired Ortel Corporation, a manufacturer of optical networking components.

• 1999: Lucent Technologies acquired Nexabit Networks, a high-speed switching company.

• 1999: Lucent Technologies acquired International Network Services (INS), a network consulting and integration company.

• 1999: Lucent Technologies acquired Kenan Systems, a billing and customer care software company.

• 1999: Lucent Technologies acquired Excel Switching Corporation, a provider of programmable switches for telecommunications networks.

• 1998: Lucent Technologies acquired Prominet Corporation, a company specializing in Ethernet switching products.

• 1998: Lucent Technologies acquired Yurie Systems, a manufacturer of ATM access products.

• 1998: Lucent Technologies acquired Ascend Communications, a major supplier of networking equipment.

• 1997: Lucent Technologies acquired Livingston Enterprises, a company specializing in remote access servers.

• 1997: Lucent Technologies acquired Octel Communications, a leading provider of voicemail systems.

• 1996: Lucent Technologies was spun off from AT&T as an independent company, comprising the former AT&T Network Systems and Bell Labs.

Alcatel Timeline:

• 2005: Alcatel acquired Spatial Wireless, a provider of mobile wireless network solutions.

• 2003: Alcatel acquired iMagicTV, a Canadian provider of software for IP television services.

• 2002: Alcatel acquired Astral Point Communications, a provider of optical networking solutions.

• 2000: Alcatel acquired Genesys, a leading provider of customer interaction management solutions.

• 2000: Alcatel acquired Assured Access Technology, a provider of remote access solutions.

• 2000: Alcatel acquired Packet Engines, a provider of high-speed network equipment.

• 2000: Alcatel acquired Xylan, a US-based network equipment manufacturer.

• 1998: Alcatel Alsthom was rebranded as Alcatel.

• 1997: Alcatel Alsthom acquired Digital Microwave Corporation, a US-based microwave communication company.

• 1996: Alcatel Alsthom acquired Newbridge Networks, a Canadian data networking company.

• 1993: Alcatel Alsthom acquired DSC Communications, a US-based digital switching company.

• 1991: Alcatel Alsthom acquired Rockwell International’s switching equipment business.

• 1990: Alcatel Alsthom acquired STL, a UK-based optical fiber and cable manufacturer.

• 1987: CGE merged with Alsthom, forming Alcatel Alsthom.

• 1986: CGE acquired Telettra, an Italian telecommunications equipment manufacturer.

• 1982: CGE acquired ITT Corporation’s European telecommunications business, forming Alcatel N.V.

• 1968: CGE acquired Compagnie Industrielle des Téléphones (CIT), which was later renamed CIT-Alcatel.

• 1925: CGE acquired Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (SACM).

• 1898: Compagnie Générale d’Electricité (CGE) was founded in France by Pierre Azaria.

Infinera Mergers and Acquisitions Timeline:

• 2015: Infinera acquired Transmode, a Swedish supplier of metro packet-optical networking solutions.

• 2018: Infinera acquired Coriant, a global supplier of open, disruptive, and hyperscale networking solutions.

Coriant Mergers and Acquisitions Timeline:

• 2013: Coriant was formed as an independent company after being spun off from Nokia Siemens Networks’ optical networking business.

• 2014: Coriant merged with Tellabs, a provider of packet optical and mobile backhaul solutions.

• 2015: Coriant acquired Sycamore Networks Solutions, a company specializing in intelligent bandwidth management solutions.

Tellabs Timeline:

• 1975: Tellabs was founded in Naperville, Illinois.

• 1992: Tellabs acquired Martis Oy, a Finnish provider of network management and transmission equipment.

• 1997: Tellabs acquired Coherent Communications Systems Corporation, a provider of network access products.

• 1998: Tellabs acquired Steinbrecher Corporation=

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CBRE Group acquires Direct Line Global for data center infrastructure

CBRE Group announced the acquisition of Direct Line Global, a provider of data center infrastructure, from Guardian Capital, a private equity firm. Financial terms were not disclosed

Direct Line Global, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Fremont, California, specializes in design, installation, maintenance, and management solutions for data center owners and operators, primarily serving the U.S. hyperscale market and major technology companies. The company has over 1,000 employees and significant operations in northern Virginia, as well as in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. Bill Nelligan, CEO of Direct Line Global, expressed enthusiasm for the growth opportunities afforded by CBRE’s global platform, particularly in the context of the booming demand for data and artificial intelligence. Direct Line Global will now operate within CBRE’s Data Centers Solutions business under the Global Workplace Solutions segment.

CBRE noted that this strategic acquisition would immediately boost its core earnings-per-share.

The acquisition aligns with CBRE’s strategy to enhance its capabilities in asset classes benefiting from the increasing digitization of the global economy. Vikram Kohli, COO of CBRE, highlighted that Direct Line Global’s technical services perfectly complement CBRE’s existing facilities management services. This combination allows CBRE to offer integrated data center solutions, providing a comprehensive service unmatched in the industry.

Key Points:

Acquisition Details: CBRE acquires Direct Line Global from Guardian Capital, enhancing earnings-per-share.

Service Integration: The acquisition combines Direct Line Global’s technical services with CBRE’s facilities management, offering unmatched integrated data center solutions.

Growth Potential: Direct Line Global benefits from CBRE’s global platform, expanding opportunities in the rapidly growing data and AI market.

Operational Scope: Direct Line Global has over 1,000 employees and operations in the U.S., Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea.

https://ir.cbre.com/press-releases/detail/232/cbre-enhances-differentiates-data-center-capabilities-with

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Amazon begins satellite manufacturing for Project Kuiper

 In preparation for Project Kuiper’s first full-scale launch later this year, Amazon is starting up satellite production and testing at a new facility in Kirkland, Washington. Opened in April, this 172,000-square-foot factory is set to become the manufacturing hub for the more than 3,000 satellites that will comprise Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit constellation. The facility includes advanced custom equipment and a clean space environment designed to protect sensitive electronics, supporting rapid satellite production and testing.

In a blog post, Amazon said it now plans to ship the first completed production satellites this summer, with the inaugural full-scale Kuiper mission scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year aboard an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA). The new facility is expected to produce up to five satellites per day at peak capacity. These satellites will be integrated with systems from partners like Beyond Gravity, Blue Origin, ULA, SpaceX, and Arianespace for deployment from launch sites in Florida and French Guiana.

• Facility Location: Kirkland, Washington

• Production Capacity: Up to five satellites per day

• First Full-Scale Launch: Q4 2024 aboard Atlas V rocket

• Partners: Beyond Gravity, Blue Origin, ULA, SpaceX, Arianespace

• Initial Satellite Deployment: Over 3,000 satellites in the coming years

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a $10 billion initiative aimed at deploying a constellation of 3,236 satellites to provide high-speed internet access globally, particularly to underserved communities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted approval for the deployment, requiring Amazon to launch at least half of the satellites by mid-2026. The project has achieved significant milestones, including successful tests of prototype satellites KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, which demonstrated high-speed, low-latency broadband capabilities. Amazon has partnered with key industry players such as United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Arianespace for the satellite launches.

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/innovation-at-amazon/inside-project-kuiper-satellite-facility-kirkland

• In December 2023 following successful tests of 100 Gbps optical links between its prototype satellites, Amazon confirmed that its is now confident in the optical inter-satellite link (OISL) capabilities of Project Kuiper.These tests validated Project Kuiper’s advanced communications architecture by maintaining 100 Gbps optical links between prototype satellites, KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2, over nearly 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) for the entire test window. The plan now is for each Project Kuiper satellite to be equipped with multiple optical terminals to connect many satellites at a time, establishing high-speed laser cross-links that form a secure, resilient mesh network in space.

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New subsea cable lands at Timor-Leste

 On June 24th, 2024, the “Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable” (TLSSC) landed at the Cable Landing Station in Bebonuk, Dili. This groundbreaking project connects Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s digital transformation and showcasing its commitment to infrastructure development and modernization.

The TLSSC is a significant advancement for Timor-Leste, an island nation situated in Southeast Asia, northeast of Australia, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people. Since liberalizing its telecommunications sector in 2012, Timor-Leste has seen increased mobile service coverage across all municipal towns, reaching 96% of the population by 2015. Despite these strides, the country has relied on costly satellites for international connectivity. The government recognized these limitations and decided in 2016 to invest in an international optic fiber cable system to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.

At a press event, Prime Minister Gusmão highlighted the TLSSC’s role in stimulating economic activities, promoting diversification, and creating job opportunities. The fiber optic cable, capable of transferring data at 27 terabits per second, is a significant upgrade from the current 20-30 Gbps usage. With a length of 607 km, including seven repeaters and a dedicated Greater Sunrise Branch Unit, the cable ensures fast and secure internet connections to major hubs like Darwin, Sydney, and Los Angeles. The project was realized through the collaboration of Alcatel Submarine Networks, Vocus, and the Australian Government, with Australia’s Ambassador Caitlin Wilson and ASN’s Vice President Marc Genot lauding the initiative’s future benefits for the Timorese population.

Key Points:

• Historic Launch: TLSSC connects Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia, marking a major step in the nation’s digital transformation.

• Significant Upgrade: The cable can transfer data at 27 Tbps, vastly improving upon current satellite-based international connectivity.

• Economic Impact: The TLSSC is expected to stimulate economic growth, job creation, and industry diversification in Timor-Leste.

• Collaborative Effort: The project involved key contributions from Alcatel Submarine Networks, Vocus, and the Australian Government, emphasizing international cooperation.

https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=38073&lang=en&n=1

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NTT DATA launches Tsuzumi AI model on Microsoft Azure

NTT DATA announced the launch of Tsuzumi through the Microsoft Azure AI Models-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering. This development marks a significant milestone in their 25-year collaboration, focused on creating technological solutions that drive sustainability and innovation. Tsuzumi, a Large Language Model (LLM) proficient in Japanese and English, addresses environmental and financial challenges by adjusting model size without compromising performance, making advanced AI technologies accessible to a wider range of users. The model’s operational adaptability, through efficient tuning processes with industry adapters, enhances its relevance and versatility, reducing service provisioning costs.

• Milestone Launch: Tsuzumi AI model released on Microsoft Azure AI MaaS platform, marking a 25-year collaboration.
• Advanced Capabilities: Tsuzumi supports Japanese and English, tackling environmental and financial challenges by adjusting model size while maintaining performance.
• Operational Adaptability: Features efficient tuning with industry adapters for customized knowledge learning, enhancing versatility and reducing costs.
• Future Expansion: Initially available in Japan, with plans to expand globally and advancements in multimodality to meet evolving business needs.

https://www.nttdata.com/global/en/news/press-release/2024/june/ntt-data-announces-strategic-enhancement-of-collaboration

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Astera Labs to open R&D site in Bangalore

Astera Labs, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California,  plans to expand its operations to India with a new site in Bangalore set to open later this year. This expansion aims to leverage the region’s rich engineering talent to develop advanced interconnect technologies essential for AI architectures in data centers. 

Sanjay Gajendra, President and COO of Astera Labs, highlighted India’s thriving market and world-class technical workforce as key factors for this strategic move, supporting the company’s growth and vision. 

The Bangalore site will join Astera Labs’ existing R&D centers in Santa Clara, Toronto, Vancouver, and Haifa.

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