Businessweek

ture. M-Commerce Solutions: M-commerce solutions are for money transfer, payment transactions, and services between mobile subscribers and operators or other service providers. Customers This segment’s customers include BSkyB, Chunghwa Telecom, Telekom A1, DirecTV, EBU, and ESPN. Competition This segment competes with traditional telecommunication equipment suppliers, as well as IT suppliers, such as Amdocs, Comverse, and Oracle. The company’s competition in the TV business includes Harmonic and Harris. Its competition in m-commerce includes Comviva, Sybase, Infosys, and Gemalto. ST-ERICSSON A 50/50 joint venture with STMicroelectronics, this segment offers modems and ModAps (integrated modem and application processor platforms) for major handset and tablet manufacturers. Customers The company’s business is defined by long-term relationships primarily with telecom operators worldwide. The company serves approximately 400 customers in approximately 180 countries. It also engages directly with customers in certain other industries, such as utilities and media. The company has presence in various countries, such as China, Brazil, and India. Markets The company reports 10 regions, such as Latin America; North America; Northern Europe and Central Asia; Western and Central Europe; the Mediterranean; the Middle East; Sub-Saharan Africa; India; North East Asia; and South East Asia and Oceania. Acquisitions In January 2012, the company acquired Telcordia Technologies Inc., which engages in the development of software and services for OSS/BSS. In April 2012, the company acquired BelAir Networks, a North American telecom-grade Wi-Fi company. In July 2012, the company acquired Technicolor’s broadcast services division. The acquisition brings broadcast customers and playout operations in France, the U.K., and the Netherlands. In 2012, the company acquired Canadian ConcepStWave in the OSS and BSS domain. Dispositions In February 2012, the company divested the 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication AB. In September 2012, the company divested the multimedia brokering platform (IPX) to Gemalto. In 2012, the company divested EDA 1500 GPON portfolio to Calix, Inc. Strategy The company’s strategy builds on a long-term vision and mission, which is translated into a business strategy that should generate value for the company’s primary stakeholders, customers, employees, and shareholders. Four pillars form the foundation for its business strategy, such as excel in networks, expand in services, extend in support solutions, and establish leading position in enablers of the networked society. The company’s strategy is to focus on organic growth and be selective with acquisitions. Seasonality The company’s quarterly sales, income, and cash flow from operations are seasonal in nature, generally lowest in the first quarter of the year (year ending December 2012) and highest in the fourth quarter. This is primarily a result of the seasonal purchase patterns of network operators. History Ericsson was founded in 1876.