Dimension Data Zuid-Afrika, leverancier van netwerkinfrastructuur- en (IP-) telefonieoplossingen, neemt het Afrikaanse bedrijf Plessey volledig over. Plessey biedt projectmanagement en dienstverlening aan telecombedrijven in diverse Afrikaanse landen. De sterke positie van Plessey in Afrika, biedt een platform voor Dimension Data om zijn complete portfolio oplossingen en diensten te introduceren binnen het gehele Afrikaanse continent.
U vindt het volledige, Engelstalige persbericht hieronder.
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Dimension Data expands African footprint with 100% shareholding in Plessey
Johannesburg, South Africa, 28th November 2005 - Dimension Data South Africa today announced it has acquired Worldwide African Investment Holdings' 51% stake in Plessey. Dimension Data purchased the shareholding in cash, for the sum of ZAR 120 million (South African Rand). Dimension Data South Africa now has a 100% shareholding in Plessey.
Plessey offers project management and services to the telecommunications market throughout the African continent. The company has a presence in 19 African countries with regional offices currently in eight countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius; and plans to open an office in Madagascar shortly.
Pieter Nel, chief executive officer, Plessey, commented: "Dimension Data's solutions and services offerings are complementary to Plessey's offerings. The combined expertise and experience of both companies, and importantly the technology resources of Dimension Data, will enable us to take advantage of the growth opportunities on the continent and deliver a full range of services and solutions to the market from a single partner."
Plessey's strong African presence will provide a platform for the introduction of Dimension Data's full suite of solutions and services throughout the continent.
Commenting on the acquisition, Allan Cawood, chief executive of Dimension Data Africa said: "Dimension Data has been working in close partnership with Plessey throughout Africa for many years. Plessey's experience in the telecommunications industry and established African footprint, combined with Dimension Data's and Internet Solutions' offerings will allow us to offer the African telecommunications market a wide range of services."
Plessey has a strong client base throughout the continent, including: MTN, Telecom Namibia, Tanzania Telecommunications Limited, Marconi, Orange, Vodacom, Celtel and Telma to name a few. Dimension Data has established offices in Nigeria and Botswana and clients in a number of African countries, including Ethiopian Telecommunications in Ethiopia; British Petroleum in Angola, as well as Vodacom and Universal Leaf Africa in Mozambique.
Cawood continued: "The growing telecommunications market in Africa stemming from the de-regulation and privatisation of fixed line operators, as well as the massive growth experienced by the cellular operators, offers a number of exciting opportunities for us throughout the continent."
Plessey currently employs approximately 250 people across South Africa, Nigeria and East Africa. All Plessey employees will remain employed by Plessey in the respective countries. The Plessey brand is strong and well-known throughout the continent and will remain. Plessey will be referred to as a Dimension Data Company.
Dimension Data acquired its original 49% holding in Plessey in 1998. Worldwide African Investment Holdings also acquired its 51% holding in Plessey in 1998, and recently made a strategic decision to focus on the Minerals and Energy market and exit all investments outside of this area. Zellah Fuphe and Litha Nyhonya will remain as board members of Plessey.
As at 31 March 2005 Plessey had gross assets of ZAR 406,1 million, generated turnover of ZAR 890 million and generated profit before tax of ZAR 67,4 million in the year to 31 March 2005.
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About Dimension Data
Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a specialist IT services and solution provider, helps clients plan, build and support their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security, operating environments, storage and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customised client solutions.
About Plessey
Plessey is a leading supplier of telecommunications solutions to the African continent. The company has a presence in 19 African countries with regional offices currently in eight countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Mauritius; and plans to open an office in Madagascar shortly. Headquartered in South Africa, Plessey employs over 250 people across
South Africa, Nigeria and East Africa.