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Companies are discovering the excellent location of the Czech Republic. They are moving their headquarters here
September 2, 2008
The latest company that wants to manage its Central European activities out of Prague is the American software giant IBM.
Both the American IBM and Swedish AF-Kontroll are planning to move their headquarters to the Czech Republic. They praise not only the location of the country, but the knowledge of Czechs as well.
“There was a re-organization and we cancelled our current headquarters in Vienna. Instead, the individual operations for growing markets will be managed out of Dubai, Moscow, Johannesburg and Prague,” confirmed the spokesperson of the Austrian IBM branch, Georg Haberl. IBM is one of the world’s largest companies and employs over 380 thousand people.
Why the re-organization? Three years ago, IBM sold its computer division to the Chinese Lenovo, and it is now focusing mainly on software. It is with this software that it wants to conquer the rapidly growing markets.
As a part of the re-organization, the company wants to invest 1.6 billion dollars into the growing markets, including the Czech Republic, over the course of the next three years.
Prague is a good address
The American IBM is not the only company that is establishing an important headquarters in the Czech Republic. Already, the software company Adobe, technological company Parker Hamnifin, and the logistical company DHL are organizing their Central European operations out of the metropolis of one hundred towers.
In addition, the Swedish concern AF-Kontroll -- which is focused on industrial engineering, technical inspection and testing -- is now preparing to take a similar step.
On Monday the company announced the purchase of the Czech company Qualitest, and in the future it is planning to establish the main headquarters for the entire region in the Czech Republic.
“The location of the Czech Republic is close to both the Eastern and Western markets. In addition, the Czech Republic has very capable people and an advanced industry. The fact that the Czech and Swedish mentalities are very similar also plays a role,” says Gabriela Hitzgerová from the business department at the Swedish embassy.
For additional information, please contact:
Romana Tomasova
Vice President of Corporate Communications
Central European Media Enterprises
Krizeneckeho nam. 1078/5
152 00 Praha 5
Czech Republic
+420 242 465 525
romana.tomasova@cme-net.com
