Acquisition
February 16 2007 - 1:02AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:3777R
CybIT Holdings PLC
16 February 2007
Cybit Holdings PLC
Acquisition of Thales Telematics
Deal consolidates Cybit position as one of Europe's largest internet-based
Telematics Service Providers
> Acquisition of Thales Telematics Plc adds more than 400 customers and
10,000 vehicles to the Cybit Vehicle Telematics base
> Acquisition of the Private Mobile Radio (PMR) business complements the
acquisition of BlueFinger in June 2006
> Extends Cybit's reach into new sectors including exploration and mining
> Builds on Cybit position as a consolidator within the Telematics industry
> Provides major opportunity to leverage growth prospects through turnaround
Cybit (AIM: CYH), one of Europe's leading online Telematics Service Providers,
announces the acquisition of Thales Telematics Plc, a UK based vehicle
Telematics and wireless asset management business, from Thales Group (Euronext,
ISIN code: FR0000121329).
The total consideration of #1.0 million in cash will be payable in four monthly
instalments, of which #250,000 will be due in the current financial year, ending
31 March 2007.
The acquisition will consolidate Cybit's position as one of Europe's largest
Telematics Service Providers (TSPs). Following the acquisition, Cybit will have
a customer base of approximately 1,500 representing in excess of 35,000
installed units.
Thales Telematics Plc offers end to end vehicle Telematics solutions through
internet and client-server based solutions. The solution covers areas such as
temperature monitoring, door control, driver-id and Stolen Vehicle Tracking. Key
customers include Fowler Welch Coolchain, Unichem and Coca Cola Enterprises.
Thales Telematics Plc also offers Private Mobile Radio (PMR) products and
services to the oil and gas, mining, marine and security sectors. Specific
applications include advanced communications, precise positioning and telemetry.
Key customers include Western-Geco, Agrocom and Lafarge.
The PMR business has significant synergies with BlueFinger, which was acquired
by Cybit in June 2006.
The mining and exploration sector, which accounts for some 50% of PMR revenue,
is currently in the midst of a "super-cycle". In 2006 alone, mining houses
approved more than $55 billion of capex to be invested over the next two to
three years in projects worldwide. We believe this will result in strong demand
for Thales Telematics' services and products - and at improving margins.
In the year to December 2005, Thales Telematics reported revenues of #6.3
million (2004: #8.5 million) with a gross margin of 39% (2004: 50%). Excluding
Group costs, Thales Telematics reported an operating loss of #3.9 million (2004:
loss of #3.6 million) and has accumulated tax losses of approximately #5.7
million and net assets of #5.8 million. In addition, Thales Telematics carries
own-book financing worth approximately #3 million.
Commenting on the acquisition, the Chairman, Neil Johnson, said:
"Cybit now has an established track record of successfully identifying and
integrating acquisitions which meet our clear criteria of being earnings
enhancing and transformational in terms of extending the Group's breadth and
depth of client base. This acquisition is further evidence of our ability to
identify turnaround situations where we have already demonstrated success in
driving significant growth.
Richard Horsman, Chief Executive Officer, added:
"This is an excellent acquisition for Cybit. It firmly positions the group as
one of the leading European Telematics Service Providers and gives us critical
mass in the high-growth mining and exploration sectors where major capital
expenditure programmes will underpin demand for our technologies. This
acquisition is a further significant milestone in Cybit's development."
16 February 2007
Enquiries:
Cybit Tel: 01480 389100
Richard Horsman, Chief Executive Officer
College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020
Carl Franklin
Notes to Editors:
Cybit
Cybit is a leading Internet-based Telematics Service Provider (TSP) and supplier
of fleet and asset management solutions to the business-to-business sector.
Cybit's solutions portfolio includes vehicle tracking and management, lone
worker support and car pool management. Hundreds of companies across a wide
range of industries already use Cybit's online solutions to improve the
management and control of their fixed and mobile assets. Additional information
is available at www.cybit.co.uk
The acquisition of Thales Telematics is part of Cybit's continuing strategy to
become a major force in global Telematics. In June 2006 Cybit acquired
Bluefinger, for #1.6 million, in a deal which added 3,700 vehicles and ships to
the group's roster and represented Cybit's entry into the marine Telematics
market. Following its integration into Cybit, the Bluefinger business was
turned around and has since generated contracts worth more than GBP 1.5 million
for the group, with clients including the Ghanaian government and Thales UK.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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