According to Graeme Allan, country director for UK and Ireland, Alcatel enterprise activities, "The merger between Alcatel and Lucent is a strategic fit, and, by coming together, will be the global leader in convergence. Together the two companies can exceed far more than they can alone and, by combining staff; capabilities; and customer relationships, it will enhance their competitive advantage in the high growth area of next generation networking.
"The combined company will be global in scale, boast one of the biggest R&D capabilities focused on communications, and employ the largest and most experienced global services teams in the industry. Furthermore, with ownership in the most dynamic player in end-to-end communications, sustainable shareowner value will be enhanced from year one.
"Alcatel's enterprise business will continue to be an important part of the combined company, which will not only keep these activities in its portfolio, but also intends to boost its future development. This division is both profitable and growing, with a strong business model. Alcatel's enterprise software and IP PBX solutions maintain leadership positions in their markets, and in the UK this division is experiencing significant growth, as it continues to capitalise on the rapid uptake of IP communications, networking and collaboration solutions."