Aurelius to acquire Nokia’s enterprise campus edge business

Private equity firm Aurelius has reached an agreement to acquire Nokia's Enterprise Campus Edge (ECE) business, which specializes in private wireless networks and industrial connectivity solutions, according to a statement from Nokia. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The deal is anticipated to close in the first half of 2027, after which ECE will function as an independent business under Aurelius ownership, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

ECE currently caters to approximately 900 customers worldwide, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, mining, logistics, aviation, ports, and power generation. The company's offerings encompass private wireless networks, industrial devices, operational technology edge computing, and software applications that facilitate industrial artificial intelligence.

Aurelius aims to capitalize on the business's market position in private 5G networks and industrial edge technology, with potential avenues for growth in AI-driven industrial automation and digitalization services. Fabian Steger, Managing Director of Aurelius Fund IV and V, highlighted the business's strong global customer base, including several Fortune 500 companies, and the prospects of expanding its technological offerings under independent ownership.

For Nokia, this sale aligns with its strategic plan to streamline its portfolio and allocate resources towards ventures with greater long-term growth potential. Konstanty Owczarek, Chief Corporate Development Officer at Nokia, noted that the transaction will enable the company to focus on its core priorities while granting ECE a platform for its subsequent growth phase.

The employees currently working within the ECE business are expected to transfer to the new ownership structure upon the deal's completion, subject to relevant employment laws and consultation obligations.