Sagem to Build Vodafone Branded Handsets

Vodafone has signed an agreement with France's Sagem to produce a Vodafone-only branded mobile handset for sale across Vodafone markets. This handset is scheduled for release by June 2007. The agreement is an extension of Vodafone's Original Design Manufacturers' strategy.

Vodafone has stated that it intends to use the international recognition of its brand to help to leverage the production of a series of high-quality, competitively priced handsets which will only carry the Vodafone name, and the Sagem Communication agreement is a further extension of the delivery of this extensive Vodafonebranded range.

Thierry Buffenoir, deputy CEO of Sagem Communication, stated that "the deal signed with Vodafone is proof of our ability to deploy core expertise and offer our partners tailor-made solutions. Designing and producing handsets to be marketed under other brand names than our own is one of the key pillars in Sagem Communication's business strategy for 2007."

Last week, Sagem also signed an agreement to manufacture low-cost handsets for Ericsson, and cross-licensed some of its technologies with the company."

Posted to the site on 5th April 2007