Stuart Corner
Friday, 08 September 2006 02:42
IT Industry -
Deals
Alcatel and Lucent both held shareholders' meetings on September 7 at which they received approval for their planned merger.
Using a rather unfortunate turn of phrase, Alcatel chairman and CEO, Serge Tchuruk, said: "This offensive strategy, strengthened by the projects to
acquire some of Nortel's assets and the reinforcement of our partnership with Thales, aims to increase Alcatel's value for its shareholders, and to provide its customers with the broadest portfolio and to give its employees great opportunities. We remain confident in the closing of these three strategic moves by the end of the year, when all the necessary approvals are granted."
Lucent shareholders "overwhelmingly" approved the merger, according to a Lucent announcement. Lucent CEO, and CEO designate of the merged entity, Patricia Russo, said: "We are another step closer to creating the first truly global communications solutions provider with the broadest wireless, wireline and services portfolio in the industry."
The two companies say they expect to complete their merger transaction by the end of calendar year 2006. They have already cleared several key regulatory and antitrust milestones, including antitrust clearance in the United States and the European Union and have submitted a formal notice to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), seeking US governmental approval.