While reports around the market suggested that Siemens could gain 1bn to 1.3bn euros ($1.27bn to $1.65bn) from its enterprise networks division, it was suggested that the conglomerate might have to pay a rival to take SBS.
The precedent for this was its humiliating deal in June 2005 to give its mobile handset business, including its IP, 6,000 staff and manufacturing facilities to BenQ Corp. Siemens also gave BenQ 250m euros ($307m) in cash to integrate the product lines and also subscribe to 50m euros ($61.4m) worth of newly created BenQ shares.
Both businesses may appeal to private equity groups who could strip out the costs that have made both operations loss-making and then sell them on.
