Downer Connect Extends Beyond the Jack Point

Downer Connect Extends Beyond the Jack Point

New Zealand's largest telecommunications engineering company, Downer Connect Limited, today announced it has acquired information and communications technology (ICT) systems provider Commspec (NZ) Limited.

Auckland-based Commspec will operate as a subsidiary of Downer Connect, retaining its brand presence.

Downer Connect Business Development Manager Romi Patel said the acquisition is a logical extension of the two organisations' existing relationship and reflects the evolution of the ICT services market.

He says the acquisition is motivated by a desire to actively participate in an increasingly converged telecommunications environment, generating business growth by extending the company's service capability to the desktop.

"Our existing business model is based on the delivery of telecommunications services between the exchange and the customer's front door.

"The addition of Commspec enhances our customer proposition making it possible to deliver end-to-end ICT solutions, right to the customer's desktop.

"More importantly, this tie-up means we'll be able to provide a wider range of customers, whether they are small or large scale businesses, with nationwide access to the latest telecommunications solutions," he said.

Nine-year-old Commspec is a privately owned company employing a team of 30 across its Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch locations. General Manager Ian Hall says the relationship with Downer Connect is a win-win for both organisations, bringing together

complementary strengths under a shared vision.

"We're a company that's traditionally punched above its weight. We've built up our technical knowledge and expertise to a point where we are ready to step up.

"Downer Connect provides Commspec with the scale we were looking for to meet our business goals. Its national infrastructure increases our market reach while providing scope to extend our service capability," he said.

Commspec specialises in the design and implementation of telephone and data solutions to businesses, including PABX, contact centre and multi-site networking solutions.

As an Alcatel Premium Business Partner, Commspec is accredited to design, install and support Alcatel's business enterprise telephony solutions. The company is also an accredited Telecom dealer, with access to Telecom technology for integration into its customer solutions.

"These existing relationships are significant given Alcatel's role with Telecom to supply its next generation IP network. It makes Commspec a really good fit for our business," said Mr Patel.

Downer Connect has 700 employees nationwide and recently increased its share of Telecom's field service work to 50 percent. Downer Connect also manages Telecom's key network switching (exchange) platforms, providing maintenance and system design and construction capabilities for Telecom's cable, cellular, payphone, and radio systems. The company's other key customers include the Maritime Safety Authority, Department of Conservation and Teamtalk mobile radio.

Mr Hall said integration with Downer Connect will create new opportunities for Commspec's existing employees. The company's new growth plans will also necessitate the employment of additional technical and sales employees in the near future.

Downer EDI Ltd

Downer Connect is a subsidiary of engineering, infrastructure and resource services company Downer EDI Ltd which is listed on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.

Downer EDI Ltd has assets of A$1.8 billion, more than 10,000 employees and an annual turnover of A$2.7 billion. It provides comprehensive engineering and facilities management services to the public and private rail, road, power, telecommunications, mining and resources sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

© Scoop Media