Easynet snaps up Technocom in bid to increase Net services

Internet service provider (ISP) Easynet demonstrated its commitment to becoming a solutions-based ISP when it acquired systems integrator Technocom this month. The company has also poached Roy Howitt, former sales manager at Business Systems Group.

The acquisition cost Easynet #1.5 million, with a performance-related option which could take the total to as much as #2.2 million, based on cash and shares.

Easynet managing director Grahame Davies said: ?Technocom is a solid company with good turnover and profit potential which will add to the bottom line of the group.

?It will also provide us with a good customer base and the ability to source quality Lan networking products at an excellent price point.?

He confirmed that ISP was looking to diversify its skills away from straight ISP provision. ?There are fewer and fewer people looking for a straight internet connection. The next stage for ISPs is to provide internet/Lan solutions.?

Technocom, which will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, had a turnover of #2.78 million for the nine months to 31 March 1997.

Easynet?s turnover to 31 June 1996 was #2.2 million. Brokers are forecasting #6 to #8 million for year ending 31 June 1997.

Howitt, who worked for BSG for two-and-a-half years, joined Easynet last week as sales manager. He was described by Davies as ?just the kind of person we need?.

Phil Buckingham, managing director of BSG, said: ?Roy has fulfilled a number of very valuable roles at BSG and we?ll be sorry to see him go.?