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Hilary King

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Rupert Wadsworth, Marketing Manager, Europe

Dimension Data

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Dimension Data strengthens Microsoft presence in UK and EU with acquisition of Teksys

Johannesburg, South Africa, London, UK - 3 February 2009 - Dimension Data, the $4.5 billion specialist IT solutions and services company, said today that it had acquired Teksys, a UK Microsoft infrastructure and licensing services company, for an undisclosed sum. The effective date is 1 February 2009 and the value of the gross assets as at the transaction date is 7,5 million pounds. 

Teksys, a long standing Microsoft Gold-certified partner, holds certifications in Advanced Infrastructure, Networking Infrastructure, Information Worker, Licensing, Security and Mobility. Teksys focuses on providing professional and managed services in these areas and holds Microsoft Large Account Reseller (LAR) status. Their client base includes national and international brands such as Bank of England and Watson Wyatt.

In terms of the transaction, which has no material effect on the Dimension Data group, Teksys will become a wholly-owned Dimension Data subsidiary. Dimension Data's UK Microsoft Solutions business and Teksys will operate as one unit.

Steve Joubert, Group Executive, Solutions at Dimension Data's said, 'When Dimension Data launched its Microsoft services business three years ago, the Group's objective was to expand its capabilities and footprint in the Microsoft infrastructure space.  The Teksys transaction is aligned with this objective and provides both companies with significant benefits, particularly in their consulting skills base and licensing capability.

'We have looked for ways to expand our current Microsoft professional services capability in the UK to provide the full spectrum of Microsoft-based services, covering software advice, design and deployment, and related support services. The 81 skilled and experienced employees of Teksys and Dimension Data is now a highly capable Microsoft-focussed team,' Joubert explained.

Russell Bolan, CEO of Dimension Data Europe said, 'The Teksys acquisition paves the way for the Group to immediately provide its UK clients with new services around virtualisation, data centre design, software asset management and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Our skills around a number of Microsoft's unified communications technologies and systems management are also greatly bolstered.'

Teksys' Alan Watkins who will become Managing Director of the merged business, commented, 'We are very pleased to be part of the Dimension Data family. Being a global, financially strong organisation with a track record of over 25 years, bodes well for Teksys clients, as they will be able to leverage the strengths of Dimension Data's global partner relationships and broader solution sets. We have a very talented and experienced group of people, who have built Teksys into what it is today. This transaction represents an exciting opportunity for them to become part of a global team and expand their career horizons.'

The management board of the merged business will comprise representatives from both Dimension Data and Teksys.

-ENDS- 


Note to editors
In the financial year to end-September 2008, Dimension Data's Microsoft business grew by 25.5%. This growth was supported by a services-led approach to software procurement and deployment, in which the Group helped clients create structured roadmaps to improve their Microsoft infrastructure while lowering software and operational costs.  The Group said at the time that the need for a robust deployment and management strategy was critical as clients take advantage of Microsoft unified communications technologies.

About Dimension Data
Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a global IT solutions an services provider, helps clients plan, build, support and manage their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security, operating environments, storage and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customised client solutions. 

About Teksys