Ascom sells its Belgium Network Integration Business to Fabricom GTI

In line with its strategy, Ascom agreed to sell the Belgian Business Communication activity (part of the former Network Integration Division) for EUR 4.2 million (amounts to CHF 6.5 million) to Fabricom GTI, a member of the Suez Group. All of the about 100 employees and the pertinent business activities will be taken over by Fabricom GTI via transfer of all shares of the Belgian entity, Ascom NV/SA.

Ascom is to focus on Mission-Critical Communication with its Wireless Solutions and Security Solutions Divisions. In the context of this strategy, Ascom continues to divest its Business Communication activities and announces today that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with Fabricom GTI with respect to its Belgian entity, Ascom NV/SA. Fabricom GTI is a member of the Suez Group.

“With the sale of Business Communication Belgium to Fabricom GTI, Ascom has achieved another divestment milestone and also found a new owner, which will open up good prospects for the future for the customers, the business as well as the employees”, said Rudolf Hadorn, CEO of Ascom.

Ascom continues to be present in Belgium with its Wireless Solutions activities.

By taking over Business Communication Belgium, Fabricom GTI gains designated specific know-how and market access for the following businesses: Infrastructure (installation and maintenance of data and voice converged solutions) as well as Applications and Solutions (end user applications).

With the sale, all of the about 100 employees will be taken over by the new owner. The closing of the transaction is subject to the conditions usual for such transactions and is expected before end 2005.

Business Communication Belgium, situated in Brussels, achieved a revenue of about EUR 17.4 million (amounts to CHF 26.9 million) in 2004.

Fabricom GTI is a Belgian leader for innovative technical installations and services for the industrial and infrastructure markets. The company is mainly active in the Benelux area and has more than 8,000 employees.

About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how. In future the company aims to concentrate on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army).

The Special Products Division covers the activities of Network Integration (network solutions for the data/voice convergence market) in Italy and Payphones (specialised products for voice traffic). Discontinued operations primarily comprise Transport Revenue (revenue collection, parking and toll systems) and Network Integration Switzerland, Belgium and Germany.

With a wealth of experience in implementing complex projects for discerning customers, Ascom has established itself in important key markets. Offerings range from analysis and consulting to system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 22 countries and a workforce of some 3,500 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (symbol ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

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