Computacenter says it has moved forward with the acquisition of BT's domestic operations in France, following the completion of the consultation process with staff works councils there.
As a result, BT says it has agreed the sale of the operations to Computacenter. The transaction is still subject to regulatory and competition approvals, but the pair say they now expect to complete the transaction “before the end of 2020”.
The acquisition will enable Computacenter to strengthen its position in the French networking market and increase the number of its major domestic customers in country.
The proposed deal was announced by the two companies this March, and is part of BT's ongoing strategy of focusing on core business operations as it continues to transform its faltering Global services unit. The sold business currently generates revenue of almost €120m, and this will be added to the €650m in sales that Computacenter itself has in the country. BT’s domestic operations in France include the management and maintenance of IT and network infrastructure, as well as networking and related professional services.
BT says it will retain a “strong presence” in France serving multinational businesses and organisations, including access points to its global network and a cyber security operations centre. BT and Computacenter say they also intend to enter into a partnership agreement in France, “ensuring continuity for existing customers and future growth opportunities”.
Arnaud Lepinois (pictured), CEO of Computacenter France, said: “This transaction significantly strengthens our business in France, and we are excited to discuss the benefits with our customers and partners. We plan to operate the acquired business as a separate subsidiary of Computacenter France, retaining the existing leadership.”
Last December, BT reached an agreement for the sale of its Spanish managed ICT services business, including its domestic network infrastructure, to funds managed by Portobello Capital.
