SIEMENS IN JV WITH NINGBO BIRD.

Reports that German firm Siemens AG will partner with Chinese handset manufacturer Ningbo Bird to develop and market mobile handsets in China. Development of mobile phones to be sold under the Bird brand; Siemens' supply of the chipsets and platforms; Access to be gained by Siemens to Bird's outlets throughout China; Bird's use of Siemens' wireless modules for its phones; Entry into the major growth market of smaller cities and counties.