Nokia Siemens Buys Network Managment Firm Apertio

Nokia Siemens Networks will buy Apertio, which specializes in network management applications for telecommunications operators, for €140 million (US$205 million), the companies said Wednesday.

Apertio, in Bristol, England, sells a software application suite with components for managing mobile phone subscribers. Features allow operators to authenticate and deliver applications to users, shut off lost handsets and collect real-time data on subscribers.

The management and consolidation of subscriber data is becoming more important, particularly as operators offer "converged" services, the term for offerings that combine mobile, fixed-line and Internet-based services, the companies said.

The deal is expected to close by May. When complete, Paul Magelli, Apertio's CEO, will head a new section within the Converged Core business of Nokia Siemens.

Apertio's software and equipment is used by operators such as Orange, T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone. Apertio, a private company, estimates its 2007 revenue at €28 million.