Alcatel-Lucent was a French telecommunications equipment company formed by the merger of Alcatel and Lucent Technologies in 2006, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The company pioneered digital switches and optical networking but faced financial struggles, leading to its acquisition by Nokia in 2016.
Compagnie Générale d'Électricité (CGE) is established in France, initially focusing on electrical equipment. #telecom #history
CGE begins manufacturing telephone equipment through its subsidiary. #telecom
CGE launches the Alcatel brand for its telecommunications products. #telecom
CGE restructures, creating Alcatel as a separate subsidiary for telecom. #telecom
Alcatel launches the E10 digital switching system (later Alcatel 1000), a major breakthrough. #telecom #innovation
Alcatel buys the telecommunications operations of ITT Corporation, expanding globally. #mergers
CGE merges its telecom assets with ITT's to form Alcatel N.V., a Dutch-registered company. #corporate
Alcatel establishes Alcatel Space, a subsidiary for satellite communications. #space
Alcatel launches its first GSM mobile phone, the Alcatel One Touch. #mobile
AT&T spins off its equipment division as Lucent Technologies, based in the US. #telecom
CGE changes name to Alcatel Alsthom, then later to Alcatel. #corporate
Alcatel buys DSC Communications for $4.5 billion to strengthen US presence. #mergers
Lucent Technologies goes public, becoming one of the largest IPOs. #finance
Alcatel buys Newbridge Networks for $7.1 billion to expand in IP networking. #mergers
Rumored merger falls through; both companies face telecom downturn. #telecom
Alcatel sells its shares in Alcatel Space and other units to focus on telecom. #restructuring
Lucent restates earnings due to improper revenue recognition. #scandal
Alcatel secures major contracts in China, becoming a key provider. #expansion
Alcatel and Lucent merge to form Alcatel-Lucent, creating a global telecom giant. #merger
Alcatel-Lucent struggles with integration and reports massive losses. #integration
Alcatel-Lucent selected as a key supplier for Verizon's LTE network. #4G
Ben Verwaayen appointed CEO to lead turnaround. #leadership
Alcatel-Lucent unveils lightRadio, a compact base station technology. #innovation
Alcatel-Lucent announces major restructuring and job cuts. #restructuring
Sells Genesys call center software unit for $1.5 billion to reduce debt. #divestiture
Sells cybersecurity division to Thales. #divestiture
Michel Combes appointed CEO, implements shift plan. #leadership
Nokia agrees to buy Alcatel-Lucent for €15.6 billion. #acquisition
Nokia completes acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent, ending its independent existence. #acquisition
Nokia retires the Alcatel-Lucent brand, integrating operations. #brand
Alcatel Submarine Networks remains as a subsidiary under Nokia. #legacy
