Logica plc, an international computer consulting, systems integration and software company,
acquired Dallas-based Aethos Communications Systems Inc. Dec. 18 for about $77.5 million.
Logica also bought
DDV Group, a Dutch telecommunications consulting firm on the same day.
Aethos, a telecommunications software
and services provider that specializes in mobile network planning and prepaid calling, will be integrated with Logica’s
Aldiscon subsidiary. The company, whose revenues totaled $18 million for the year ended in March 1998, also
maintains offices in the United Kingdom and a sales operation in Malaysia.
“This combination will create a
new global powerhouse in the provision of [information technology] solutions for the mobile telecom market,”
said Larry Quinn, chief executive of Logica Aldiscon. “It is a marvelous opportunity for our two organizations to
build a substantially greater presence in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.”
Aethos’ prepaid
intelligent service node technology is used by 15 wireless carriers around the world, including Aerial Communications
in the United States, Telenor in Norway and other carriers in Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, the
Netherlands, the Czech Republic and the Philippines.
The company’s other primary product is a mobile network
planning tool called Odyssey, which is used by carriers in Europe and the United States.
Aethos also has a
telecommunications consulting practice.
The acquisition “reinforces Logica’s leading position in the provision
of IT solutions to the telecommunications sector,” said Dr. Martin Read, chief executive officer and managing
director of Logica plc. Aethos “reflects Logica’s strategy of concentrating on repeatable, value added, mission
critical systems in fast growing international markets.”
