Philips and NEC join forces in IP telephony

Thursday, January 30, 2003

 

The agreement initially involves the co-development of IP-based telephony applications and expanding the range of enterprise communications solutions of both companies. Commenting on the agreement, Philips Business Communications' vice-president of Marketing Marc Bauchant said: "We are confident that our combined strengths will offer unique opportunities for both companies in sharing technological expertise, developing powerful propositions and extending market reach. This partnership will enable us to expand our portfolio of products and services and assume a leadership role in IP telephony in our respective markets."

"This arrangement marks the beginning of a new era for NEC and Philips. In addition to synergistic development capabilities and an expansive product portfolio, our complementary business models and market positions clearly make this alliance a strategic fit," said Akihisa Ariga, Executive General Manager of NEC's International Operations Unit. "With this partnership, NEC aims to provide IP solutions to customers throughout the world, drawing on its expertise as the top supplier in Japan and other markets."

Recently Philips announced that preliminary agreement had been reached for the acquisition of Philips Business Communications (PBC) by Gores Technology Group (GTG). Vance Diggins, Chief Executive Officer of GTG added, "We are convinced PBC and its customers will benefit immensely from this unique partnership with NEC and we are very excited to accommodate for further expansion and success in IP telephony solutions.

Any questions? Please contact

Andre Manning

Philips Corporate Communications
Tel:  +31 20 59 77 199   
Email:  andre.manning@philips.com


About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.1) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. Ranked as one of the world's top patent-producing companies, NEC delivers integrated solutions in the key fields of computer and networking, through its market- focused, in-house companies: NEC Solutions and NEC Networks. NEC Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $39 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2002. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page at: http://www.nec.com


About Gores Technology Group

With headquarters in Los Angeles, Gores Technology Group (GTG) is a privately held international acquisition and management firm that pursues an aggressive strategy of acquiring promising high-technology organizations and managing them for growth and profitability. GTG has a successful track record of acquiring and managing companies -- including many divisions acquired from large publicly traded companies -- through its commitment to customers, employees and continued development of intellectual property. GTG has acquired and managed approximately 40 interrelated but autonomous technology-oriented companies with locations throughout the world. Those companies provide a broad range of technology-based products and services to a substantial customer base representing millions of active users worldwide. For more information on Gores Technology Group: www.gores.com


About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle, delivering people-centric, innovative products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 134,200 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, as well as lifestyle solutions for personal wellbeing. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.