Access Providers acquires Saise Telecom

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 13 September 2005 18:56

IT Industry - Deals

Melbourne based broadband wireless access network operator, Access Providers (ASX: APV), is to acquire Saise Telecommunications, a provider of bundled voice, data and mobile services to the business market, for 19.8 million shares and $667,000 in cash.   The deal will give Saise shareholders around 29 percent of Access Providers' equity and bring around 50,000 business customers into Access Providers' network.
Access Providers says it will retain the Saise brand and will operate Saise as a subsidiary company looking after wholesale customers and product implementation. Existing products will continue to be marketed and all Saise staff will be retained. Access Providers says the deal gives it "strong sales, marketing and account management expertise to assist in building momentum in Sydney and other states, and cost advantages from consolidation of back office functions."
Access Providers operates 'pre-WiMAX' networks in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide and says it plans to expand coverage nationally.