Sony Ericsson, Sagem in mobile phone licensing deal

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and Sagem Communication, part of the SAFRAN Group announced that they have signed licensing and ODM (Original Developer Manufacturer) agreements for entry-level GSM, GPRS and EDGE mobile phones.

As part of the agreement Sagem Communication will license certain hardware and software technologies related to mobile phone platforms to Sony Ericsson. Sagem will also provide Sony Ericsson with a number of Sony Ericsson branded mobile phones and the two companies will conduct joint development activities.

In order to allow for closer communication with the technical team of Sagem, Sony Ericsson will establish a development unit dedicated to entry level mobile phones, to be located in the vicinity of Sagem Communication’s premises in Cergy, France.

Through this co-operation, Sony Ericsson will be able to complete its entry level product offering and strengthen its position in this area of the market, whilst at the same time benefit from the technical know-how and the engineering capacity of Sagem.

Established as a joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in 2001, with global corporate functions located in London, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications employs over 7,500 people worldwide, including R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China and America.

SAFRAN is an international high-technology group with four core businesses: aerospace propulsion, aircraft equipment, defense security, communications. It has 61,400 employees in over 30 countries, and annual revenues exceeding 11 bln euros.