Nokia-Siemens JV in talks with PE firms to sell stake: Report

Nokia Siemens Networks is in talks with private equity firms Blackstone and Bain Capital, among others, for a potential cash infusion of at least USD 1 billion in exchange for an up to one-third stake in the telecom gear-maker, says a media report.

Nokia Siemens Networks is in talks with private equity firms Blackstone and Bain Capital, among others, for a potential cash infusion of at least USD 1 billion in exchange for an up to one-third stake in the telecom gear-maker, says a media report.

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Citing people familiar with the plan, The Wall Street Journal reported that the discussions are still at the
exploratory stage.

The news come just days after Nokia Siemens agreed to buy Motorola Inc's telecom equipment unit for USD 1.2 billion, which is supposed to enhance the company's attractiveness to private equity buyers.

According to the publication, Silver Lake Partners, TPG, Blackstone, Bain Capital and KKR are among the firms in
contact with Nokia Siemens about a potential deal that could see private equity ownership of up to one-third of the
company.

The report said that no formal proposals have been made and both sides could decide not to pursue such a deal. If the firms do make an offer, it is unclear if they would team up or go it alone.

A Nokia Siemens spokesman declined comment on the report.

Any deal would be fraught with complexity, because Nokia Siemens is a joint venture between Finland's Nokia Corp and Germany's Siemens AG, with each parent owning a 50 per cent stake.