The local operations of Gartner and Meta Group are still awaiting details on their future after their principals announced a $162 million merger deal.
The deal was unveiled last week when the research groups announced that they had reached an agreement in terms of which Gartner would acquire Meta in an all-cash transaction worth $10 a share.
Peter Riches, MD of Meta Group SA, says there is no clarity yet on the deal`s implications for the South African operations.
"It is very early days," he says. "Anything that can be said has been said and made public. I would like to be able to say more, but I cannot."
A source close to the two companies concurs, saying that "putting a timeline to anything right now is impossible".
Both the group`s head offices say that the deal is good for them.
"Gartner and Meta Group are both based in Stamford (Connecticut) and share complementary business models, which will allow easy integration of Meta Group`s offerings into Gartner`s existing service portfolio," says Gartner CEO Gene Hall.
"This transaction is an exciting opportunity that will give us increased depth in key sectors, geographies and markets, and an increased ability to seize revenue opportunities with the addition of Meta Group`s well-trained, successful sales force."
Gayl Doster, co-chairman of the special committee of the Meta board, says both groups` clients will have access to greater levels of expertise.
The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and Meta shareholder approval, is expected to close next quarter.
Riches founded Meta Group SA in 1991, while Gartner established a local presence when Renee Jacobs gained the rights to represent the firm here.
The only other major IT analysis and consulting presence in SA is through BMI-TechKnowledge., the local representative of International Data Corporation.
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