EU Approves $2.3 billion Takeover of Infinera by Nokia

New Nokia's logo is displayed before GSMA's 2023 ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 26, 2023. REUTERS/ Albert Gea/File Photo
New Nokia's logo is displayed before GSMA's 2023 ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 26, 2023. REUTERS/ Albert Gea/File Photo
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EU Approves $2.3 billion Takeover of Infinera by Nokia

New Nokia's logo is displayed before GSMA's 2023 ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 26, 2023. REUTERS/ Albert Gea/File Photo
New Nokia's logo is displayed before GSMA's 2023 ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 26, 2023. REUTERS/ Albert Gea/File Photo

The EU Commission on Wednesday said it had unconditionally approved the $2.3 billion acquisition of US optical semiconductors and networking equipment maker Infinera by Nokia.

The commission said the takeover raised no concerns, as the companies' combined market share in the supply of optical transport equipment would be moderate and would still face credible competition.

Reuters already reported earlier this month that Nokia was set for the unconditional approval for the deal, which it announced in June last year.

The acquisition will make it the second-largest vendor in the optical networking market with a 20% share, behind Huawei, which is benefiting from the minimal presence of Western companies in China.

The acquisition will allow Nokia to sell more equipment to big tech companies such as Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft, which are investing billions of dollars in building new data centres to service the artificial intelligence boom.



TikTok Says to Increase Investment in Britain

Around half the UK population, more than 30 million people, use TikTok each month. Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
Around half the UK population, more than 30 million people, use TikTok each month. Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
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TikTok Says to Increase Investment in Britain

Around half the UK population, more than 30 million people, use TikTok each month. Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
Around half the UK population, more than 30 million people, use TikTok each month. Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

TikTok plans to raise its investment in the UK, its biggest community in Europe, with the creation of 500 more jobs, the Chinese-owned social media giant announced Monday.

The news coincided with the start of London's Tech Week, which sees British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcoming some of sector's biggest firms.

"TikTok's UK workforce will grow to 3,000 this year with the addition of more than 500 jobs," the company said in a statement.

It added that it was investing in a new London office, set to open next year, and whose size will dwarf its current UK head office.

It will take TikTok's investment in UK infrastructure to around £140 million ($190 million), the group said.

Around half the UK population, more than 30 million people, use TikTok each month, making it the platform's "largest user-community in Europe", the statement added.

"Whether through direct investment in jobs and innovation, or the wider economic contribution from millions of British businesses on TikTok, we're pleased to be increasing our investment and presence here in the UK," said Adam Presser, director of TikTok UK and global head of operations and trust and safety.

TikTok has been in the crosshairs of Western governments for years over fears personal data could be used by China for espionage or propaganda purposes.

"What underpins our continued growth is our deep commitment to safety and to creating an enjoyable and secure digital space to sustainably support creators, entrepreneurs and the wider economy, which is why we also invest significantly in safety," Presser added Monday.