Computacenter Regulatory News (CCC)

4 Jan 2007 07:00

Computacenter PLC04 January 2007 Computacenter plc, the European IT infrastructure services provider is pleasedto announce the acquisition of Digica Group, specialists in IT infrastructureand application services, from Bridgepoint Capital, Lyceum Capital (through itsinvestment in Fox IT) and management shareholders. The consideration paid forDigica amounts to £15.9 million, in addition to which Computacenter will settleassumed debt of £12.1 million, both of which are to be satisfied from cashreserves. Digica is a provider of IT services to medium sized public and private sectororganisations. The company operates purpose-built datacentres as well as remotemanagement and application services from Nottingham, Leeds and Warrington in theUK, and Cape Town, South Africa. In the year ended 30 June 2006, Digica's EBITDAtotalled £2.067 million on revenue of £19.4 million and had gross assetsamounting to £16.9 million, at that date. The acquisition of Digica supports Computacenter's strategic plan to deliverservices growth, particularly in the medium sized public and private sectors andthe expanding datacentre services market. Digica's business is scalable and itsrevenues are derived from services, 85% of which are of a recurring or long-termcontractual nature. The addition of remote management and application servicesfrom Cape Town, complements Computacenter's purpose-built services centre inBarcelona and enables Computacenter to offer lower cost off-shore services toclients. These factors, combined with Computacenter's ability to add value toDigica's existing clients, will provide benefits to both companies and theirclients. Mike Norris, Chief Executive of Computacenter, commenting on the acquisition,said: "The additional skills, facilities and scope of operation acquired throughDigica, strengthen our ability to run and manage clients' datacentres,especially when combined with our existing datacentre transformation and supportofferings. This will enhance the overall offering to our clients, combiningexcellent service quality and reduced operational risk, with superior value formoney". Mark Howling, Chief Executive of Digica, comments: "This is a very exciting development for Digica and supports our objective tobecome recognised as the leading supplier of IT managed services and outsourcingto the medium sized public and private sectors. We have been looking verycarefully for the right opportunity to expand our capacity and capability and Iam delighted we have become a part of Computacenter". Enquiries: Computacenter plc: Simon Walsh, Services Managing Director 020 7593 4666Tony Conophy, Finance Director 01707 631515Tessa Freeman, Investor Relations 01707 631514www.computacenter.com Tulchan CommunicationsStephen Malthouse 020 7353 4200www.tulchangroup.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange