October 15, 2012
Global communications technology company Gigaset reaches agreement to realign its business into three business units and reduce workforce.
The Frankfurt office recently advised global communications technology company Gigaset AG on the comprehensive realignment of Gigaset group. As part of the deal with the company’s employee representatives Gigaset will create three business units: Consumer Products (its core business), Business Customers and Home Networks (smart home solutions). The arrangement calls for the reduction of 279 jobs at the Munich and Bocholt locations, which will be facilitated through a transfer company.
Each of the new business units will be given the entrepreneurial independence that they require to operate successfully in their respective markets, and will be part of a planned new Product Center in Düsseldorf, where they will benefit from their proximity to the Bocholt production site. The new structure is expected to significantly enhance the company’s competitiveness, allowing for future growth. Based in Munich, Gigaset is Europe's market leader in DECT telephones. The premium supplier ranks second worldwide with approximately 1,700 employees and a market presence in more than 70 countries.
The multidisciplinary Willkie team, led by national partner Dr. Christian Rolf (HR) and partner Dr. Patrick Meiisel (Tax), included national partner Dr. Bettina Bokeloh (Tax), partners Dr. Andreas Hautkappe, Georg Linde, Dr. Stefan Jörgens and Mario Schmidt (all Corporate), national partner Jan Wilms (Finance), and associates Jochen Riechwald and Christian Stöhr (both HR), Dr. Maximilian Schwab, Wolfgang Münchow and Dr. Stephanie Schmidt-Ehemann all (Corporate).
