5th Apr 2007 07:01
Vodafone Group Plc05 April 2007 5 April 2007 VODAFONE AND SAGEM COMMUNICATION SIGN NEW HANDSET AGREEMENT Sagem Communication to supply Vodafone-branded mobile phone demonstrating a further extension of Vodafone's Original Design Manufacturers' Strategy Vodafone Group and Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) today announce the signingof an agreement to produce a Vodafone-only branded mobile handset for saleacross Vodafone markets. This handset is scheduled for release by June 2007. The agreement is an extension of Vodafone's Original Design Manufacturers'strategy. Given that design plays an essential role in the customer's eyes, thehandset at the backbone of this new agreement will be extra-slim, embedding allthe main GSM features plus an eye-catching 65K-colour screen. Vodafone has stated that it intends to use the international recognition of itsbrand to help to leverage the production of a series of high-quality,competitively priced handsets which will only carry the Vodafone name, and theSagem Communication agreement is a further extension of the delivery of thisextensive Vodafone-branded range. Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone added: "Vodafone'sOriginal Design Manufacturers' strategy is intended to use Vodafone's size andpurchasing power to engage with the best white label handset makers and then usethe power of the Vodafone brand to bring their products to market. We arepleased that we have signed this agreement with Sagem Communication which willbuild on their experience in European markets to create for us a high qualityand affordable handset for sale across Vodafone's markets." Thierry Buffenoir, deputy CEO of Sagem Communication, stated that "the dealsigned with Vodafone is proof of our ability to deploy core expertise and offerour partners tailor-made solutions. Designing and producing handsets to bemarketed under other brand names than our own is one of the key pillars in SagemCommunication's business strategy for 2007. We're delighted to kick-start thisnew business area by releasing a quality product inspired by the latest trendsand that will offer consumers something they've always dreamed of." -ends- For further information:: Vodafone Group Media RelationsTel: +44 (0) 1635 664444 Sagem Communication Maryse de WeverTel +33 (0) 1 58 12 45 12 [email protected] Notes to Editors: About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile communications group withoperations in 25 countries across five continents and over 200 millionproportionate customers by the end of January 2007, as well as 36 partnernetworks. For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com About Sagem Communication Sagem Communication (SAFRAN Group) is a major player in the mobile and broadbandcommunication industries that has acquired strong worldwide positions throughconstant technological innovation. SAGEM produces particularly outstandingproducts in the following business areas: mobile phones, printing terminals,residential terminals, networks, electronic metering, among others. Visitwww.sagem.com and www.safran-group.com to find out more. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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