NEC transferred its overseas network equipment resale business to a consortium led by Italy's Assist Group. The NEC business operates in regions such as Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe, building systems for telecom operators and enterprises using network equipment from partner firms. The division also provides IT services for governments and local authorities such as system development for biometric authentication and smart cities. NEC said these services will be transferred alongside parts of its business in Latin America and Europe where operations are primarily centered on the resale venture. “Leveraging our deep technical expertise, NEC has contributed to the growth and problem-solving of customers in various countries through these businesses for many years," NEC CEO Takayuki Morita explained.