Ericsson to gradually wind down business in Russia

Ericsson said it will gradually wind down business activities in Russia over the coming months as the telecoms equipment maker completes its obligations to customers.
Ericsson LTE network supplier
MTS, MegaFon and Rostelecom are the leading telecom operators in Russia.

Ericsson, one of the leading mobile network suppliers in Russia, suspended its business in Russia indefinitely in April. Ericsson has about 400 employees in Russia. Ericsson would provide financial support to affected employees.

More and more Western companies are selling their Russian businesses after announcing suspensions of operations in the weeks after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Dell Technologies said on Saturday it had ceased all Russian operations after closing its offices in mid-August.

Ericsson, which had sent its employees on paid leave earlier this year, also recorded a 900 million crown ($95 million) provision in the first quarter for impairment of assets and other exceptional costs related to the move.

Nokia  already announced its decision to pull out of Russia, impacting about 2,000 employees.

Russian daily Kommersant first reported Ericsson’s exit and said some of its support staff would move to a new firm that will be established by top managers in Russia. Ericsson did not comment on the new firm.