OWN CORRESPONDENT, Cape Town | Monday 6.00pm.
INFORMATION technology firm Dimension Data and black investment group Worldwide African Investment Holdings launched a massive black-controlled telecommunications firm on Monday that will bid against multinational giants for telecoms integration contracts in Africa.
The new company — to be named Plessey — is a result of the acquisition of Plessey SA by DiData last year.
In terms of the agreement, Worldwide — R1,4-billion black investment group –will hold 49% and Didata 51% of the new Plessey, which will include former Plessey’s telecoms business and DiData Telecommunications.
Plessey currently counts over 20 of the world’s largest telecoms companies, as well as Telkom SA, as customers.
Other customers include Telstra and Optus Communications in Australia and 16 Telco authorities in the Far East.
Plessey chairman and Worldwide board member Jayendra Naidoo said the new firm will tender aggressively for contracts in a drive by the Organisation of African Unity to upgrade Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure but they will cast their eye over other developing countries.
Worldwide signed an agreement with Malaysian state oil producer Petronas on Thursday that will effectively allow Worldwide to buy 20% of Engen.