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Report alleges Swedish kit maker under investigation over China dealings.

Ericsson on Friday confirmed it has been quizzed by U.S. authorities investigating alleged corrupt practices.

The company issued a brief statement after a report by Svenska Dagbladet earlier this week claimed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) are examining its operations in China.

"In March 2013, Ericsson received a voluntary request from U.S. authorities to answer a number of questions relating to Ericsson’s operations, something we have also confirmed to media in 2013," Ericsson said, adding that it cooperated with the request, as well as subsequent requests for information.

"While we strive to at all times conduct our business in compliance with applicable laws, matters do arise from time to time as a result of the global nature of our business," the company added.

Ericsson declined to provide detailed comments on the nature of the request, but said "it relates to Ericsson’s anti-corruption programme and questions related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act."

The claims come as Ericsson faces pressure to improve its flagging performance.

In April, Ericsson announced a major restructuring into five new business groups plus a customer group targeting various industry verticals such as utilities, transport and public safety.

"We are not satisfied with our overall growth and profitability development over past years," said Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg, at the time.

The overhaul was announced alongside its first quarter financial report, which showed declining revenue at Ericsson’s networks and services divisions.
 

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