SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bookham, Inc. (Nasdaq: BKHM), a leading provider of optical components, modules and subsystems, today commented on Nortel Networks Corporation's (NYSE/TSX: NT) ('Nortel') recently announced bankruptcy protection filing.

On January 14, 2009, Nortel and certain of its Canadian, European, and United States subsidiaries announced their filing for protection under the bankruptcy reorganization laws of their respective countries. Nortel further announced that the filings will not disrupt its on-going business operations. Nortel also announced that it has entered into an amendment to arrangements with its key supplier, Flextronics, and that these amendments give Nortel confidence that Flextronics will continue to maintain the supply chain following commencement of these proceedings.

Nortel, directly and through Flextronics, is a key customer of Bookham and important to its success and growth. On January 14, 2009, Nortel confirmed to Bookham that business would continue on ordinary terms during the course of the bankruptcy proceeding. Bookham expects to sell product to Nortel and to be paid for future shipments on an on-going basis throughout the course of the bankruptcy and to maintain its relationship as a key supplier to Nortel.

Bookham is pleased that Nortel has addressed its contract with Flextronics at the very first stage of its bankruptcy to ensure the viability of this important component of the Nortel supply chain and the relationship with Bookham. Bookham has approximately $4.3 million in open receivables from Nortel as of January 14, 2009, and Bookham will pursue its rights to be paid these amounts consistent with the applicable bankruptcy laws.

About Bookham

Bookham, Inc. is a leading provider of high performance optical products, spanning from components to advanced subsystems. The company designs and manufactures a broad range of solutions tailored for the telecommunications optical infrastructure and other selected markets, including industrial, life sciences, semiconductor, and scientific. The Company utilizes proprietary core technologies and a vertically integrated manufacturing organization to provide its customers with cost-effective and innovative devices, as well as flexible, scalable product delivery. Bookham is a global company, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with leading edge chip fabrication facilities in the U.K. and Switzerland, and manufacturing sites in the USA and China.

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