Ericsson expands network portfolio with acquisition of Kathrein

Ericsson takes over the German Kathrein, in order to be able to expand his Radio System portfolio considerably. Not only will Ericsson have a range of new products at its disposal, it will also acquire important input that it will use for the further development of its advanced radio network products.

Ericsson reports that during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The antenna market is changing rapidly. Not only are there an increasing number of frequency bands that providers can use, but the number of available techniques is also increasing. At the same time, Ericsson has noticed some consolidation in the market. Now that the era of 5G is slowly dawning, it is time to reopen the market.

Strong R&D department

Kathrein was founded in Germany in 1919 and has its headquarters in Rosenheim. It is a leading global provider of antenna technology and has been working with Ericsson for some time. The company has a strong R&D organization and broad experience in areas such as antenna design and research. Ericsson will use this knowledge to strengthen the development of its own radio network products.

In a statement, Fredrik Jejdling, the executive vice president of Ericsson’s Business Area Networks, states that the acquisition is therefore an important step in Ericsson’s plans for the network market. This acquisition further strengthens our capabilities and competencies in the field of active and passive antennas. Especially in view of the arrival of 5G, the company wants to increase its offer considerably.

Within the takeover deal, Kathrein’s 4,000 employees will join Ericsson. They work in departments such as R&D, production and sales and do this from more than twenty locations. These include China, Germany, Mexico and the United States. The acquisition, which involves an unknown amount, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2019.