CS merges arms to pack SI punch

Networking firm forms systems integration group from three divisions

Communication Sciences has merged its three networking units to form a systems integration group.

George Macfarlane, group managing director of the newly formed ML Networks, said: ?We were originally funded by 3i in 1994 to build a networking company. Earlier this year we bought Networks UK, Network Stations and ML Electroptics. ML Networks will have a #20 million turnover this year.

?We?re bringing together all three units into one premises in Reading in September.?

Communication Sciences (CS), the holding company, is in acquisitive mood and has won further investment from Nat West Pioneer and the Bank of Scotland, Macfarlane said, ?to make additional acquisitions?.

While subsidiary ML Networks will make opportunistic acquisitions where necessary, CS has a bigger plan, according to Macfarlane.

?CS will look to acquire companies at the high end of the network layer with strategic acquisitions. We will be a company that?s into messaging. Our intention is to float within five years and have a turnover of #50 million.?

He said that ML Networks will be organised into four divisions covering Wans, Lans, network management and remote access. He added that while cabling, in the Lan division, currently accounts for 50 per cent of the subsidiary?s turnover, that will change.

?Network management is an incredible growth area,? said Macfarlane.

The high-speed network solutions on offer from ML Networks use products from 3Com, Bay and Concord.