NEC

NEC is a leading provider of information technology and network solutions, and ranks among the world's top 20 chip makers.

Established in 1899, NEC is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company has a workforce of 152,922 people worldwide.

While the Japanese technology giant is well known for its RFID systems and semiconductors, NEC's main businesses are in IT and networking, mobile and personal products, and electronic devices.

In September, the company made a pact with IBM to conduct research on next-generation chip manufacturing technology.