"There will be some impact on headcount but we don't know the number yet," he said, adding that procurement and other costs could come down to achieve the synergy target, in addition to headcount.

"Finland will remain an important R&D centre for us, and France will be added on," he said.

The CEO added that he was confident the transaction would receive antitrust approval in the European Union, China and the United States.

Alcatel CEO Michel Combes said the deal needed clearance in nine countries.

(Reporting by Leila Abboud; Editing by James Regan)