The Nokia unit provides engineering consulting and product development services to mobile phone manufacturers, chip manufacturers and mobile operators globally. Its services include advanced technical support; innovative device-tuning techniques for enhancing the performance, memory and power of mobile devices; advanced error diagnosis and repair; and turnkey software development services that can be used in a range of technical environments.
Approximately 165 Nokia professional services engineers and consultants in the UK, Finland, Japan, Korea and Australia are expected to transfer to Accenture as a result of the agreement.
Jean Laurent Poitou, managing director of Accenture’s electronics and high tech industry group, said: “The acquisition of the Symbian professional services unit will enhance Accenture’s existing embedded software, product development and testing skills to help players in the mobile solutions ecosystem address ever more demanding time to market and quality requirements. The capabilities we are acquiring from Nokia will help support the tremendous growth our clients can expect from the explosive adoption of converged mobile multimedia services and will expand Accenture’s role as a key supplier of new tools, products and solutions to clients in this industry.”
Peter Ropke, senior vice president of devices at Nokia, added: “This agreement allows the Symbian professional services team to realize its full potential in the supply of independent services to the opensource ecosystem. In combination with Accenture’s strong brand, global sales organisation and broad technology skills, the unit’s software engineering capabilities will be a significant benefit to customers throughout the industry. The transaction underscores Nokia’s commitment to the opensource community and the Symbian ecosystem.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within 60 to 90 days.