Boca
Raton, Fla. – December 17, 2008 - Airspan Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRN), a
leading provider of WiMAX based broadband wireless access networks, today
announced that in a Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 16, 2008, its
shareholders overwhelmingly approved a consolidation of the Company’s common
shares, also known as a reverse stock split. With close to 85% of
eligible votes being cast, shareholders voted more than 94% in favor of the
principal consolidation resolution. The other two resolutions were
also approved.
The
shareholders voted to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, giving its
Board of Directors the authority to effect a reverse stock split at a ratio to
be determined within a range of one-for-five shares to one-for-fifteen shares in
order to decrease the number of issued and outstanding shares of common
Stock. No set date has been established for a reverse stock split at
this point.
“We are
pleased that our shareholders have given our Board of Directors approval to
affect a reverse stock split at such time they deem it necessary and
appropriate,” said Eric Stonestrom, Airspan’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are
currently executing our aggressive cost reduction program wherein we expect to
reduce our operating expenses to $10 million by the end of Q109, which would
represent a reduction of over 20% from third quarter 2008. Our cost reduction
program is being driven by the objective to reach profitability while
maintaining a strong technology roadmap.”
Airspan
plays a leading role in the growing WiMAX market. In addition to serving
traditional telephone carriers, the company has been actively expanding the
vertical segments for its products, including new initiatives in defense, public
safety, and the oil and gas segments. WiMAX is gaining momentum in these
segments as these industrial groups look to reduce their dependence on
traditional carriers for their communication needs. With a comprehensive
portfolio of world class products, Airspan has solutions for operators deploying
wireless broadband in any frequency band. With core competence and strength in
technological innovation, Airspan develops leading-edge broadband solutions for
high-speed Internet access and IP-telephony. Airspan currently has deployments
in over 100 countries worldwide.
About Airspan Networks
Inc.
Airspan
is a leading WiMAX pure player and the solution-provider of choice for some of
the world’s largest WiMAX deployments. Developing leading-edge technology for
broadband access and IP-telephony, Airspan continues to supply operators around
the world with best-of-breed solutions. With direct sales offices throughout
Asia, EMEA and the Americas, a worldwide network of resellers and agents, and
partnership alliances with major OEMs, Airspan boasts over 100 commercial WiMAX
deployments worldwide. www.airspan.com.
This press
release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts,
including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial
position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of
management, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The words
"anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans,"
"projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions or negative variations
thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all
forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may
not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our
forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our
forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could
cause actual results or events to differ materially from the plans, intentions
and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. Investors
and others are therefore cautioned that a variety of factors, including certain
risks, may affect our business and cause actual results to differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company
is subject to the risks and uncertainties described in its filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2007 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for
2008. You should read those factors as being applicable to all
related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this press
release. We do not assume any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements.
For
Investor Relations and Media Inquiries, contact:
David
Brant, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +1
561 893-8650
Fax: +1
561 893-8681
Email: dbrant@airspan.com
Charlotte
Laurent-Ottomane, Investor Relations
Tel. +561
395 4581
Email:
clottomane@airspan.com