Insiders say Datacraft, Integral/Axon deal done

Dimension Data thought to be looking to make at least one more acquisition in NZ

Industry insiders say a deal for Datacraft to buy Integral/Axon was concluded last week and awaits final approval from Datacraft's head office in Singapore.

An industry analyst contacted by Computerworld says the rumoured sale price of $80 million “is in the ballpark”.

It represents approximately a seven times multiplier of the combined EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) of Integral and Axon.

Datacraft country manager Robin Hartendorp says he can’t comment on industry rumours.

Integral bought Axon in May for around $18 million. The combined revenue of the two companies has been estimated at around $150 million.

Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data, a $US4 billion company which focuses on developing and operating IT infrastructure. It is headquartered in London.

Dimension Data, in turn, is the subject of a takeover offer from Japanese telecommunications giant NTT, which last year signed an IP VPN interconnection agreement with Telecom. Subject to competition approvals, the takeover is expected to be completed by the end of October.

It’s thought that Dimension Data is looking to make at least one other acquisition in New Zealand.