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Paris, France -  

    Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia, met today with French President François Hollande and Minister of Economy Emmanuel Macron to reiterate Nokia's strong involvement in the development of the technology and digital ecosystem in France.

    This meeting follows the recent launch of Nokia's public exchange offer for Alcatel-Lucent securities as part of the planned combination of the two companies, and was also attended by Marc Rouanne, currently Executive Vice President, Mobile Broadband, Nokia Networks, who would serve as Chief Innovation & Operating Officer in the combined entity. Together, Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent would be an innovation leader in next generation technology and services for an IP connected world.Following the meeting with President Hollande, Suri commented: "I was honored to be able to reiterate Nokia's support for France to President Hollande in our meeting today.

The values of France are far stronger than those who pose a threat to the country and I could see that in the resolve and determination of the President. Nokia will not just be a larger part of the technology ecosystem in the country in the future, but a larger presence in France overall. Once the proposed transaction with Alcatel-Lucent closes, we will have thousands of employees in France, many of them engaged in cutting-edge research and development. We are proud that we will inherit the rich history of Alcatel, and proud of the contribution we will bring to France."President Hollande renewed his support for the proposed combination with Alcatel-Lucent and thanked Nokia for its commitment to sustainably integrate France into the combined company's strategic plans for the future. President Hollande said: "The involvement of Nokia in the French digital ecosystem is fully consistent with our strategy to develop new economic opportunies, by mobilizing and leveraging the innovation and research capabilities of France."Nokia intends to be a prominent contributor to the overall development of France's technology ecosystem and a driver of innovation across the French economy. The combined company would build on France's strong competencies in key technology areas, on the existing presence of Alcatel-Lucent in France and on the exceptional technical talent emerging from the French higher education system. It would drive the French telecom innovation ecosystem through key experts localized in France (i.e. Bell Labs France), participation in major initiatives such as Pôles de compétitivité and active involvement and leadership in the French industrial plan ("Industrie du Futur") in continuity of the current efforts within "Souveraineté Télécom".Additionally, Nokia has committed to creating a EUR 100 million investment fund dedicated primarily to investing in start-ups and innovation in the Internet of Things, Cyber Security and software platform enablers for next generation networks.The proposed transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, and remains subject to Nokia shareholder approval and Nokia holding over 50% of Alcatel-Lucent's fully diluted share capital following completion of the exchange offer.

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