Ericsson to buy IT arm of France's Devoteam

Swedish telecommunications equipment maker Ericsson said Monday it would buy the telecom and media unit of French technology consultant Devoteam. Around 400 France-based IT services professionals will join the company under a deal the company said would strengthen its consulting capabilities. "Acquiring activities of Devoteam adds unique expertise in complex, strategic and technical consulting engagements that will enable us to immediately enhance the value that we bring to our customers," said Magnus Mandersson, an Ericsson executive vice president. The value of the transaction was not disclosed. Ericsson said Devoteam has 5,000 employees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.