Global computing company Fujitsu has sold a 25% and one share stake in its local subsidiary, Fujitsu Services Infrastructure Holdings, to Thuthukani Investment Consortium (TIC).
Fujitsu is currently a level four empowerment contributor and is progressing to the second-highest rating, level two. It says the deal supports the Department of Trade and Industry's strategy and policy to advance economic transformation, and it will bring a transfer of skills and expertise to the consortium member businesses.
In 2008, Fujitsu Siemens Computers sold 25% plus one share in Fujitsu Siemens Computers SA to the Thuthukani Investment Consortium. Subsequently, Fujitsu bought out Siemens in October 2009 and, as a result of the changes in the company and the incorporation of Fujitsu Services, a new deal had to be struck.
Fujitsu stands to gain increased exposure to public sector business opportunities, particularly as people from historically-disadvantaged communities will share in the benefits of such opportunities.
Quentin Schots, MD of Fujitsu SA, says the entity takes empowerment seriously and it welcomes the "confidence that TIC has in us and we look forward to developing our relationship through mutually-beneficial projects".
In SA, Fujitsu focuses on delivering IT infrastructure management and outsourcing across desktop, networking and data centre environments, together with a range of related services, from infrastructure consulting through integration and deployment.
TIC comprises Amava Holdings and Thuthukani Information Technology Services, each of which own 45% of the shares in TIC, with the balance of the shares being held in a broad-based black economic-empowerment trust.
Thuthukani Information Technology Services was established in 1998 and provides IT infrastructure and services, as well as telecoms and call centre infrastructure. It owns 35% of the Atio Corporation, a call centre and communications company with operations in SA, the UK and other African countries.
MD Fannie Mahlangu adds that the company has "enjoyed a successful relationship with Fujitsu since the announcement of our initial investment in Fujitsu Technology Solutions in 2008".
Amava is a black-empowered investment group that focuses on the ICT sector. Puven Ramasamy, group CEO of Amava Holdings, says the deal "strengthens our focus on the IT sector".
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