The chief financial officer of Nokia Siemens, which is the front-runner in a deal to buy up parts of Nortel Networks' wireless division, is repeating a promise to keep jobs in Ottawa. The company said it may even add more jobs in the capital.
Luca Maestri told reporters in Toronto that Ottawa will remain a global centre for research and wireless technology, even after the fall of Nortel.
The $650-million deal stipulates that at least 2,500 Nortel employees will carry on with Nokia Siemens and hinges on approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court.
The number of Ottawa jobs included in the deal is still unclear. However, it is likely more than 500 employees will make the switch to Nokia Siemens.
Nortel entered into negotiations with Nokia Siemens shortly after the company sought bankruptcy protection in January. The deal could be firmed up by the end of July.
