Nokia Networks completes acquisition of SAC Wireless

Source: Nokia - Press Releases - August 25, 2014 

Nokia Networks completes acquisition of SAC Wireless 

Acquisition expected to boost company's network implementation services business and grow market share in the U.S.

Irving, Texas and Espoo, Finland - Nokia Networks today announced it has completed the acquisition of Schaumburg, Illinois-based SAC Wireless, a premier self-performing provider of infrastructure and network deployment solutions. This acquisition builds upon Nokia Networks' existing network implementation service capabilities and is expected to increase its market share in this space. SAC Wireless will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nokia. The transaction is expected to bring clear revenue synergies.

"We're seeing a trend in which operators are moving away from sub-contracting their network implementation services and opting instead for a direct service provider or 'self-perform' model," said Ricky Corker, executive vice president of North America for Nokia Networks. "SAC Wireless does this very well. With a national footprint and a proven track record of working with major telecom operators, SAC Wireless' capabilities complement our own in-house expertise. We believe this will enable us to build an even stronger foundation for our U.S. services business and address a market opportunity to bring increased end-to-end efficiency to our customers."

Operators are facing massive network expansions, new spectrum and more distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell implementations. Complexities surrounding site acquisition, permitting, sub-contractor availability and quality often hinder network rollout and time to market. As a result, operators want more direct control over their network deployments. The addition of SAC Wireless' resources, including approximately 500 employees, is designed to address these challenges head-on.

"As new network densification technologies are introduced, we believe there will be a need for shortened deployment timelines and the ability to self-perform will become increasingly critical," said Bill Koziel, president and CEO of SAC Wireless. "The teaming of Nokia Networks and SAC Wireless is a natural evolution of service solution providers in this industry. We look forward to expanding the reach of our network services technology as part of a global leader."

SAC Wireless' services include the SAC Wireless Engine Room(TM), a revolutionary process focused on managing site development, architectural and engineering, regulatory and compliance activities for national network programs. SAC Wireless also offers self-perform implementation of indoor and outdoor small cells and DAS, RF engineering and design, construction management and services, as well as turnkey program management of large scale network deployments.

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Nokia invests in technologies important in a world where billions of devices are connected. We are focused on three businesses: network infrastructure software, hardware and services, which we offer through Nokia Networks; location intelligence, which we provide through HERE; and advanced technology development and licensing, which we pursue through Nokia Technologies. Each of these businesses is a leader in its respective field.

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