InterDigital Acquires Minority Equity Interest in Pantech
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
InterDigital, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDCC) today announced that its patent holding
subsidiaries have entered into a worldwide patent licensing agreement
with Pantech Co., Ltd. and Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.
(Pantech). In addition, InterDigital will acquire a minority equity
interest in Pantech.
Under the terms of the patent license agreement, which covers sales
through the end of 2016, InterDigital has agreed to grant Pantech and
its related companies a worldwide, non-transferable, non-exclusive,
royalty-bearing license covering Pantech under 2G, 3G, LTE,
LTE-Advanced, WiMax, WiBro, and certain other current and developing
3GPP standards.
Pantech is one of South Korea's top three mobile handset makers. The
company has a strong focus on its domestic market and Pantech & Curitel
also has interests in most major international markets.
"This new patent license agreement continues to expand InterDigital's
licensing coverage in 2G, 3G, and beyond," commented Lawrence Shay,
President of InterDigital's patent holding subsidiaries. "The inclusion
of LTE and other emerging wireless technologies such as WiMax and WiBro
illustrates the breadth of our technology portfolio and positions
Pantech as a growth-oriented and forward-looking company. We are very
pleased with this new relationship and our investment reflects our
belief that Pantech will capitalize on the growth opportunities in the
global wireless markets by leveraging our technologies."
The aggregate license fees and any other royalties resulting from the
agreement are payable in installments over the life of the agreement.
Additionally, InterDigital will acquire a minority stake in Pantech with
no participation at the board level or in the management of the
companies. The transactions are subject to customary approvals by Korean
regulatory authorities and closing conditions. Given the complexity of
accounting for revenue associated with multifaceted agreements, the
company and its auditors have not finalized the manner in which revenue
will be recognized for payments received under the patent license
agreement or how the investment in Pantech will be recorded. The company
will file a related Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About InterDigital
InterDigital(R) designs, develops and provides advanced
wireless technologies and products that drive voice and data
communications. InterDigital is a leading contributor to the global
wireless standards and holds a strong portfolio of patented technologies
which it licenses to manufacturers of 2G, 2.5G, 3G, and 802 products
worldwide.
InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.
For more information, on InterDigital, please visit: www.interdigital.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, regarding current beliefs, plans, and expectations as to the
proposed transactions with Pantech and compliance by the parties with
respect to the agreement. Words such as "will" or similar expressions
are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Actual outcomes could differ materially from those expressed in or
anticipated by such forward-looking statements due to a variety of
factors, including, but not limited to: (i) the failure of any party to
observe the covenants under the agreement for any reason, (ii) the
failure of Pantech to make any agreed-upon payment in the time and
manner specified in the agreement, (iii) the financial condition of
Pantech, and (iv) any change in the value of Pantech's stock.
InterDigital, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly
any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as otherwise
required by law.
Source: InterDigital, Inc.
Contact: InterDigital, Inc.
Media Contact:
Jack Indekeu, +1 610-878-7800
jack.indekeu@interdigital.com
or
Investor Contact:
Janet Point, +1 610-878-7800
janet.point@interdigital.com