Metrofile buys Global Continuity SA

JSE-listed information and records management business Metrofile Holdings has bought Global Continuity SA for an undisclosed amount.

Global Continuity SA provides business continuity management (BCM) and information technology service continuity (ITSC) solutions.

Metrofile CEO Graham Wackrill says the deal is in line with the group's growth strategy and enables the company to offer a more comprehensive product offering to new and existing clients.

Global Continuity SA was launched in 2000 as a division of the UK and European Global Continuity Group, which was established in the 1990s.

Wackrill says “aligning Metrofile and its various group companies with Global Continuity SA is a natural and complementary partnership”. The deal allows Metrofile to provide enhanced BC and ITSC solutions in addition to its current data protection offerings, he says.

Global Continuity SA MD Ray Stride says South African businesses are beginning to face a number of new threats to critical business operations in addition to well-known causes of business interruption such as hardware failure, power outages, theft or natural disasters.

“Labour unrest, road safety, declining security and safety standards, and environmental issues, such as acid mine drainage, can result in a business becoming inoperable within a matter of seconds if there is no tested BCM solution in place,” says Stride.

“The repercussions for businesses with no effective BCM solution can range from loss of revenue, assets, clients and staff, to litigation, penalties and perhaps even worst of all, reputational damage.”

In the six months to December, Metrofile reported revenue 14.8% higher, to R252.6 million. It said in its results commentary that it continues to expand its services in the information management sector.