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ARCHIVE 2006
Esmertec forecasts 2006 revenues of over USD 24 million
Michel Kuntz appointed EVP Sales to srengthen the
organization's market-driven approach
Dubendorf-Zurich, Switzerland - November 21, 2006 - Esmertec
(SWX: ESMN), a focused provider of software and services to communications
device manufacturers and mobile telecom operators, is pleased
to announce today that Michel Kuntz joins Esmertec, effective
January 1, 2007, in the role of Executive Vice President Sales,
responsible for driving Esmertec's sales organization globally.
Before joining Esmertec, Michel Kuntz, 42, was Vice President
Marketing and Sales EMAI and Latin America at Thomson Broadband
from 2002 and before that was Vice President Marketing and ales
EMAI at Alcatel Mobile Phones & Broadband Access. He has 19
years work experience primarily in the telecommunications and
technology sector.
The product development and marketing organization is being reorganized
with the product line managers of both segments and a VP marketing
reporting directly to the CEO. Georges Boulloy, who was instrumental
in the reorganization process, will leave the Company and the
position of Chief Product Officer will be eliminated. The company
thanks George Boulloy for his important contribution during the
past months, helping to chart the course for the company to become
more market-driven.
Jean-Claude Martinez, CEO of Esmertec, comments: "We are
very pleased to have such an experienced industry expert as Michel
Kuntz coming on board. We believe this management extension, together
with the expected strengthening of our board, is a strong sign
of Esmertec's business potential."
After further operational reviews and in line with the product
organization change mentioned above, management has decided to
take additional actions to make Esmertec's product management
and development operations more efficient. Esmertec's product
management function for the Mobile & Multimedia Device Segment
is henceforth planned to be managed centrally in Zurich, with
certain positions currently located in the UK moving to Zurich.
Additionally, consistent with Esmertec's policy of having customer
services based close to its customers, certain project management
functions currently based in the UK, but supporting US customers,
will be moved to the US. Consequently, alternatives for the company's
UK office are being evaluated in accordance with local legal requirements
in the UK.
Business in the third quarter showed a solid pick-up. In particular,
in the Mobile & Multimedia Device Segment shipments by customers
in the third quarter increased to over 18 million compared with
10.4 million in the second quarter and 5.9 million in the third
quarter of 2005. Third quarter shipments represent an estimated
7.2% share of the total mobile phone market, up from 4.4% in the
second quarter of 2006 and 2.8% in the third quarter of 2005.
Third quarter 2006 performance reflects strong shipments by large
customers in preparation for the holiday season and Esmertec does
not expect the same growth of shipments necessarily to continue
in the fourth quarter. As of September 30, 2006, Esmertec's software
has been deployed on over 340 mobile and embedded device models
world-wide and over 76 million units had been shipped.
Esmertec now expects revenue of at least USD 14.5 million for
the second half year, and consequently revenues of at least USD
24 million for the full year 2006. The current status of several
new contracts and renewals in both segments support this outlook.
Based on this information, Esmertec confirms previous guidance
that it expects to begin generating cash from operations in the
first half of 2007.
This communication contains forward-looking statements based
on current expectations and assumptions of the company's management
only, and involve certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking
statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by
risks and influences that are not foreseeable at present, so that
actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, expected,
or projected. Esmertec disclaims any intention or obligation to
update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investor relations contact
Deborah Choate, CFO
Phone +41 44 823 8954
dchoate@esmertec.com
Media Contact
Jan Gregor
IR Firm
Phone +41 43 244 8154
jan.gregor@irfirm.biz
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