Itec adds telecoms to its suite of office solutions with joint venture

Itec SA, a leading supplier of document solutions with an annual turnover of R750 million (2004), has entered into a joint venture partnership with Tiyende Telecommunications, an empowered service provider, to form Itec Telecommunications.

The joint venture company, trading as Itec Telecoms, will provide a comprehensive suite of office telecommunications solutions to the South African corporate market.

Says Jacques Druyver, CEO of Itec: "Itec is currently expanding its services into new sectors. We see telecommunications as a key growth point in the corporate arena, spurred mainly by the imminent appointment of the second network operator (SNO) and the demand for lower cost telecoms and smart office management solutions for high volume users." Itec`s current product range, which includes digital copiers, multifunction printers, document management systems, digital colour systems, printers, faxes and software complements the telecoms solutions, which the corporate market demands.

Commenting on the deal, Tiyende CEO Anthony Stafford said: "This is a win-win opportunity for both companies. Itec has a nation-wide network of 65 dealers and over 18 000 corporate customers. It is also the fastest growing office automation supplier in the country with a dynamic management team. We believe the synergies between the two businesses are enormous."

Itec Telecoms has partnered with a number of leading telecommunications suppliers ensuring that best-of-breed technologies form the core of its solutions offerings. These will initially include PBXs, data (broadband, VPN and Internet services) and mobile voice solutions.

Adds Duyver: "Tiyende brings with it a wealth of telecoms expertise with a strong black economic empowerment foundation and entrepreneurial flair that complements Itec`s own skills and product sets. Under the banner of Itec Telecoms, I believe we will be able to meet the requirements of the local corporate market."

Itec Telecoms is headed up by Anthony Stafford as CEO supported by a team of directors including Maj Gen Ian Deetlefs, Jacques Duyver, Eddie Funde, Gerrie Roodt, Max Sisulu and Shaka Sisulu as chief operating officer.