Ericsson has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Tandberg Television for 9.8 billion Norwegian kroner ($1.6 billion), Ericsson announced Feb. 26.

Ericsson has acquired 11.7 percent of the outstanding shares in Tandberg and has entered into agreements to acquire another 13 percent, Ericsson said. Tandberg would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ericsson and strengthen Ericsson’s position in Internet protocol TV (IPTV) offerings.

“IPTV for cable and telecom operators is the biggest networked multimedia opportunity going forward,” Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and CEO of Ericsson, said in a statement. “Ericsson and Tandberg Television is a strong combination with a unique ability to offer complete IPTV solutions. Tandberg’s leading TV technology and customer base, and our global presence and strong position in IP networks and IMS, will create a leading player in networked media solutions for telecom, cable and satellite operators as well as media companies.” Tandberg’s board has reviewed the release issued by Ericsson and said it will review the offer and make a recommendation to its shareholders.