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January 17, 2006
Motorola to Acquire Leading Set-Top Platform Developer Kreatel Communications, Gain Immediate European Telco TV Presence
HORSHAM, Pa., and LINKOPING, Sweden, Jan 17, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Motorola, Inc. (MOT) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Kreatel Communications AB (publ), a leading developer of innovative Internet Protocol (IPTV) based digital set-tops, headquartered in Linkoping, Sweden. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Kreatel's Linux-based solution extends into the application and middleware layers, allowing it to be used with a broad set of middleware solutions. Kreatel's customer base includes such major service providers as Telefonica (Spain), TeliaSonera (Sweden), and KPN (The Netherlands).This flexible set-top platform is a natural complement to Motorola's end- to-end digital video solution, and particularly addresses the growing need for IPTV based digital set-tops. Motorola offers flexible solutions throughout the cable, xDSL, and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) video chain -- including network infrastructure, video headend and transport, industry-leading MPEG-4 encoding, and connected home devices.
"Combining Motorola and Kreatel's strengths is immensely attractive to green field video networks around the world and provides a critical solution as service providers evolve their video networks in the future," said Dan Moloney, president, Motorola Connected Home Solutions. "Motorola will have a flexible IPTV portfolio that addresses the real challenges faced by service providers worldwide as they build and evolve their networks."
Kreatel brings over six years' experience developing and delivering innovative IPTV set-top software and hardware solutions to European telecom operators and ISPs. The Kreatel team and IPTV technology will add another significant advantage for Motorola customers worldwide -- augmenting the company's existing portfolio and providing significant flexibility for operators as they deploy video services.
"Current Kreatel customers -- and others looking for a strong, flexible solution -- will now achieve the benefits of working with a global leader in digital video," said Lars Bengtsson, CEO, Kreatel. "Motorola has an unmatched heritage of deploying and supporting video networks worldwide, and will enable more service providers to utilize the benefits of the Kreatel platform."
The agreement, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2006. Kreatel's management team and employees will remain based in Linkoping, Sweden, and be integrated into the Motorola Connected Home Solutions business.
About Kreatel
Since entering the IPTV industry in 2000, Kreatel has established itself as a leading player and provider to IPTV deployments. The company delivers an optimized combination of set-top boxes, software and professional services, proven to satisfy service providers' need for a stable and future-proof solution for creation and rollout of profitable TV services.
Through established partnerships with leading companies, Kreatel can offer complete solutions and is a preferred choice among xDSL and fiber operators worldwide. The main current shareholders are ABN AMRO Capital, SEB Foretagsinvest and Innovationskapital, who were advised by Arma Partners LLP. For more information, please visit http://www.kreatel.com .
About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com /.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.
Posted by MovingPicture at January 17, 2006 03:22 PM