On March 2, 2023, the Company reached a resolution (“Plea Agreement”) with the DOJ regarding the non-criminal breaches of the DPA. Under the Plea Agreement, Ericsson pleaded guilty to previously deferred charges relating to conduct that occurred prior to 2017. In addition, Ericsson agreed to pay a fine of USD 206.7 million. The entry of the Plea Agreement brought the DPA to an end. The Company’s internal investigation and its cooperation with authorities in relation to the matters discussed in the 2019 internal Iraq investigation report remain open and ongoing and are not covered by the Plea Agreement.
On May 24, 2023, Nasdaq Stockholm concluded its review of Ericsson’s public disclosure obligations concerning its 2019 internal Iraq investigation report and dismissed the matter, stating that Nasdaq could not conclude that a reasonable investor would have used the content of the report as part of an investment decision. After having reviewed Nasdaq Stockholm’s investigation and conclusion, on June 8, 2023, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority also decided to formally close its review of Ericsson’s prior disclosures relating to the 2019 internal Iraq investigation report.
With respect to the matters discussed in the 2019 internal Iraq investigation report, the Company continues to investigate these matters and related matters in full cooperation with the DOJ and the SEC. As additional information continues to be identified and evaluated during the ongoing investigation in continued cooperation with the DOJ and the SEC, it is expected that there will not be any conclusive determinations on the outcome of any such investigation until the process is completed. The scope and duration of the remaining process remain uncertain.
As part of its defense to a now settled patent infringement lawsuit filed by Ericsson in 2013 in the Delhi High Court against Indian handset company Micromax, Micromax filed a complaint against Ericsson with the Competition Commission of India (“CCI”). The CCI decided to refer the case to the Director General’s Office for an in-depth investigation. The CCI opened similar investigations against Ericsson in January 2014 based on claims made by Intex Technologies (India) Limited and, in 2015, based on a now settled claim from iBall. Ericsson has challenged CCI’s jurisdiction in these cases before the Delhi High Court. On July 13, 2023, the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court found that in this instance the CCI has no power to conduct the pending investigations against Ericsson. The CCI has appealed this order to the Supreme Court of India.
In April 2019, Ericsson was informed by China’s State Administration for Market Regulations (“SAMR”) Anti-monopoly bureau that SAMR has initiated an investigation into Ericsson’s patent licensing practices in China. Ericsson is cooperating with the investigation, which is still in a fact-finding phase. The next steps include continued fact-finding and meetings with SAMR in order to facilitate the authority’s assessment and conclusions. In case of adverse findings, SAMR has the power to impose behavioral and financial remedies.
PRESS RELEASES
Jan 23, 2024 | Ericsson appoints Lars Sandström as Chief Financial Officer
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announces the appointment of Lars Sandström as its new Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, and Head of Group Function Finance. Mr. Sandström will replace Carl Mellander, whose departure Ericsson announced in April 2023. Mr. Sandström will join Ericsson on April 1, 2024, and will be based in Sweden.
Lars Sandström is currently Chief Financial Officer and member of the executive team at Getinge - a listed global leader within Medtech. Mr. Sandström has been with Getinge since 2017 and holds a Master of Science in Business Administration. Mr.
Sandström has previously held several senior positions at AB Volvo, Scania and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, said: “I warmly welcome Lars Sandström to Ericsson. Lars’ impressive track record, extensive experience and knowledge in a variety of financial and management roles will be immensely important as we execute on our strategy to extend our leadership in mobile networks, expand into the enterprise segment and drive our culture transformation.”
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sandström says: “I’m very excited to join Ericsson and to help drive the creation of game-changing technologies and services that shape our future. Connectivity not only redefines businesses and improve lives, but it is also pioneering a sustainable future for all of us.”
In April 2023 Ericsson announced that Carl Mellander would step down after having been with Ericsson for over 25 years and a member of the Company’s Executive Team since 2016. Mr. Mellander will leave Ericsson at the end of the first quarter 2024.
https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/2024/1/ericsson-appoints-
lars-sandstrom-as-chief-financial-officer
Jan 29, 2024 | Ericsson announces leadership changes to the Executive Team
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announces the appointment of Senior Vice President Niklas Heuveldop as new Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform and CEO of Vonage. Mr. Heuveldop who has headed Market Area North America since 2017, will take up his new position on February 1, 2024.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, comments: “I’m very pleased that Niklas has accepted to lead Business Area Global Communications Platform at this pivotal time. The Vonage acquisition and our investments in the global network platform are foundational to our long-term strategy execution, driving growth in both the enterprise segment, but also reinforcing our network infrastructure business,” and continues:
“Niklas has proven himself in multiple roles on the executive team. Under his leadership we have significantly strengthened our position in North America, expanding our market share with all leading customers in the region and the industry-defining USD 14 billion deal with AT&T, creates a solid foundation for our business in the market for years to come. He is also an important driver of our ongoing organizational transformation, driving ethics, compliance and operational excellence.”
Niklas Heuveldop says: “I am thrilled but also humbled to be offered the opportunity to ensure that we leverage Vonage’s capabilities and the 5G innovation platform to their full potential – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I move on knowing that we have the best talent in the industry to serve our customers and Yossi will continue to strengthen our local capabilities.”
Yossi Cohen, currently Head of Strategy, Technology, Marketing and Business Development within Market Area North America, will replace Mr. Heuveldop as Head of Market Area North America as of February 1, 2024. Mr. Cohen will be a member of Ericsson’s Executive Team and report to the CEO.
Mr. Cohen has a multifaceted 22-year tenure at Ericsson, brings global expertise in Technology, Business, Operations, and Innovation. His roles within Ericsson include Head of Customer Unit Verizon, Global Head of Radio Sales and Business Management in Stockholm, and Head of Global Customer Unit Softbank in Tokyo. His experience extends beyond Ericsson, encompassing positions in a telecommunications technology startup and a mobile operator.
Börje Ekholm says: “Yossi’s deep understanding of technology and business strategy is crucial as we lead in the 5G landscape. His