Fujitsu to acquire Kaz Group Pty Ltd from Telstra Corporation Limited

Fujitsu, a leading provider of business, information technology and communications solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of shares in KAZ Group Pty Ltd from Telstra Corporation Limited for A$200 million, subject to regulatory approval.

This investment confirms Fujitsu’s commitment to invest in and grow its Australian business as well as boost Fujitsu’s position in the Australian market. This acquisition will make Fujitsu the third largest IT company, by revenue, with a team of nearly 5,000 across the country.

The strength of KAZ’s existing business and the synergies it brings to Fujitsu will deliver new and exciting commercial opportunities.

Fujitsu’s expanded customer base and enhanced end-to-end capabilities also bring a new level of competition to the Australian market creating better value for existing and future customers.

The deal also creates a strategic alliance between Fujitsu and Telstra that builds on the existing working relationship and provides new opportunities in the Australian market.

With a strong track-record working with Australian governments, particularly at the state level, the acquisition of KAZ gives Fujitsu enhanced service capabilities for Federal public sector opportunities and a strong physical presence in Canberra.

“The acquisition is in line with Fujitsu’s long-term objectives to grow its Australian business,” said Mr. Richard Christou, Fujitsu’s Corporate First Senior Vice President and President of Global Business Group.

“The deal brings together two strong businesses and creates an IT services and technology leader that will deliver a broader range of consulting, application and infrastructure services to our Australian customers, as well as the local subsidiaries of our Global clients,” Mr. Christou said.

A differentiating feature of the Fujitsu business in Australia has been the local leadership team headed by Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand CEO, Mr. Rod Vawdrey. Uniquely, Fujitsu has engaged home grown talent with global expertise to deliver essential IT services to Australian State and Federal agencies as well as leading corporate clients.

Telstra Enterprise & Government Group Managing Director, Mr. David Thodey said Telstra was selling KAZ because it no longer considered ownership of an IT services business as a core part of its strategy.

“Telstra will continue to deliver centralised network services to our customers through our Network Enterprise Services business.”

“However we will also continue to look for opportunities to work with Fujitsu in the delivery of IT Services.”

Mr. Thodey said Telstra would work with KAZ’s clients in the days and weeks ahead to ensure a smooth transition to KAZ’s new owner.

“This acquisition is all about growth and job security for a strengthened Fujitsu / KAZ business. We are financially strong and we continue to grow,” said Mr. Vawdrey.

“It will ensure the retention of local expertise and will enhance our ability to present a strong local footprint in the Australian market.”

“Our most important priority moving forward is to assure our team and our valued customers that it is business as usual with a continued focus on delivering service excellence,” said Mr. Vawdrey.