MUMBAI: Thomson has announced that it is acquiring a major stake in Nokia/CITIC Digital Technology (NCDT).

Thomson delivers integrated solutions (technologies, equipment and services) for the entertainment and media industries

NCDT provides cable set-top-boxes in China. NCDT is a joint venture formed by Nokia, CITIC Technology a technology investor which is fully owned by financial and industrial conglomerate CITIC group, and Academy of Broadcasting Sciences (ABS). ABS is a research and development organisation

The joint venture will be renamed Thomson/CITIC Digital Technology (TCDT) subject to the transaction's approval by the Chinese regulatory authorities. TCDT will target cable TV operators with new technologies at competitive prices, delivering end-to-end solutions with quality and usability.

Thomson will bring its best-in-class cable set top box technology to strengthen the joint venture's leadership in the Chinese market. Thomson's DCI1000 platform, has been on a worldwide basis since its introduction at the end of last year. the platform was recently customised for the Chinese market.

Through its broadband access products organisation, Thomson develops technologies, products and solutions for broadband network operators. They deliver digital entertainment and data to consumers and businesses. Thomson also claims to be the worldwide leader in digital set-top-boxes and DSL modems, with strong positions in the Americas and Europe.

The new TCDT partnership represents a key step in further developing Thomson's presence in the promising markets of China and Asia as a provider of equipment and services for the production and distribution of audiovisual content.