| Thu 18 Oct 2001, 0:00 | | Dimension Data South Africa Expands Presence |
|
Press Release
Share Code: DDT
ISIN Code: GB0008435405
Dimension Data Holdings SA today announced a key acquisition by business
unit Dimension Data Interactive Media (DDIM), the leading provider of audio
and video conferencing/collaboration solutions to the South African market.
DDIM's strategic acquisition of 100% of the equity in Future Media, one of
South Africa's most prominent audiovisual (AV) systems solutions providers,
extends the joint entity's geographical representation into Kwa-Zulu Natal,
the Western & Eastern Cape, and the Free State.
Future Media reported turnover of R58 million for the 12 months to 28
February 2001 and a net asset value of R14, 3 million as at 28 February
2001.
The merged entity, to operate as Dimension Data Interactive Media (DDIM),
will now lead the AV integration and conferencing space in the following
business critical areas: technical skills, geographic coverage and product
suite. Its combined customer base will include key players such as
Microsoft, Compaq, Telkom, Vodacom, Nedcor, Ernst & Young, South African
Airlines, Boeing, ABSA, Rand Merchant Bank, Arthur Andersen, and Citibank.
DDIM has identified the AV integration and conferencing market as a key
point of growth and expansion, in line with its vision of providing turnkey
facilities offerings to `intelligent building infrastructures', including
intelligent board rooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and hi-tech
collaboration and presentation facilities. DDIM's expanded services offering
within this market will be delivered within the company's proprietary Global
Services Operating Architecture* (GSOA) platform, which allows DDIM to
remotely manage its installations and provide proactive diagnoses of
problems from its centralised Operations Centre.
Gary McHugh, Managing Director of DDIM, stated, "The acquisition of Future
Media provides us with significant skills and experience in the AV systems
integration space. Future Media's intellectual capital, coupled with DDIM's
skills in audio and visual conferencing, means that we can now offer a
broader range of services to our client base. We also see AV technology
emerging as an application on the network, making it possible to provide our
customers with integrated, seamless AV solutions, taking advantage of the
Dimension Data Group's extensive expertise as an IP integrator. By growing
this key focus area we believe we will be able to generate growth on both
the top and bottom lines, thereby increasing the value of the business."
Future Media's Managing Director Leon Fourie, who heads up the new merged
entity, commented: "Technology is pushing the limits of traditional audio
visual presentation methodology as well as video conferencing expertise. It
makes sense for us to join forces with a strong IT company to be able to
capitalise on their skill base to provide enhanced solutions for customers.
We look towards the prospect of following the Dimension Data global
expansion strategy by moving our customer offerings into the international
market."
Ends
Note:
The GSOA, a world first, is a customised configuration of commercial
software and Dimension Data developed software and application integrated
modules that have been seamlessly pieced together into a robust and proven
structure. The GSOA has been designed to operate in an evenly distributed
manner around the globe. It allows for proactive support and evaluation of
systems in a real-time, online environment and enables the worldwide
delivery of consistent and seamless services of the highest caliber to
multinational corporations as well as companies operating on a regional or
local scale.
Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT), is a leading technology company that
represents a new category of systems integrator providing network and multi-
channel e-business solutions to global corporations. Founded in 1983 as a
specialist supplier of technology and services, Dimension Data's strategy
has evolved with the emergence of the intelligent network as the most
important enabler in business today. Dimension Data's global presence
combined with its expertise and extensive skills base in network
infrastructure and e-business solutions environments enables its customers
to ascend into the global marketplace through 100% connectivity and
integration. With a primary listing in London and also listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Dimension Data operates in over 30 countries on
six continents. For more information, please go to www.didata.com
.
Issued by Beachhead Media & Public Relations
Contact : Ravin Maharaj
Beachhead
+2711 535-5261 or (083) 447-5158
On behalf of : Dimension Data plc
Contact : Gary McHugh
DDIM Managing Director
+2711 709-1911
Patrick Quarmby
Corporate Finance Director, Dimension Data Holdings
+2711 709 1292
Karen Cramer
Investor Relations, Dimension Data Holdings plc
+44 207 659 1600
Samantha Presbury
Public Relations
+2711 709 1292
Future Media
Leon Fourie
Managing Director Future Media
+2711 655 7600
