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UTStarcom Announces Strategic Divestiture of Its Personal Communications Division

ALAMEDA, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI) , today announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its Personal Communications Division ("PCD") to a newly formed entity controlled by AIG Vantage Capital, a part of AIG Investments. The expected proceeds of approximately US$240 million will be based primarily on the net working capital levels, subject to certain adjustments. In addition to the cash consideration, UTStarcom could also receive up to US$50 million based on a three-year earn out provision. The transaction, which is expected to be completed within two business days, has been unanimously approved by UTStarcom's board of directors and is subject to customary closing conditions including debt financing. Completion of the transaction is not subject to UTStarcom shareholder approval and the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act has expired.

The divestiture of PCD is consistent with UTStarcom's strategic focus announced in late 2007, which is aimed at maximizing UTStarcom's opportunities in its core IP-based product offerings in rapidly growing economies around the world. The PCD business, which primarily distributes handsets and related accessories in North America, was identified as a divestiture opportunity at that time. This transaction, combined with the recently announced divestiture of the Mobile Solutions Business Unit, will complete two milestones in simplifying the operations of UTStarcom.

Subsequent to the transaction, the privately held company will be called Personal Communications Devices, LLC and will be led by PCD's current management team who will be part-owners of the company with AIG Vantage Capital and other investors. The Handset business unit of UTStarcom will continue to design and provide devices to be sold in the Americas through Personal Communications Devices, LLC as part of a supply agreement. UTStarcom will also sell devices directly to carriers in other areas of the world.

"With the divestiture of our PCD unit, our management team and employees will focus on pursuing the growth opportunities related to our core product suite of IPTV, NGN and Broadband offerings," said Peter Blackmore, UTStarcom's chief executive officer and president. "The streamlined business model will provide better transparency into our operations and improved liquidity as we execute our strategic plan."

Philip Christopher, the president of UTStarcom's PCD, stated, "Operating as a standalone business will afford the new company greater distribution and financial flexibility and better positions us to capitalize on emerging market trends and strategic growth opportunities. We will continue distributing handsets and accessories throughout North America, and we remain focused on providing our current manufacturing partners and carrier customers outstanding support and service."

About UTStarcom, Inc.UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company develops, manufactures and markets its broadband, wireless and terminal solutions to network operators in both emerging and established telecommunications markets worldwide. UTStarcom enables its customers to rapidly deploy revenue-generating access services using their existing infrastructure, while providing a migration path to cost-efficient, end-to-end IP networks. UTStarcom was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Alameda, Calif. The company has research and development centers in the USA, Canada, China, Korea and India.