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ISSUE NO 53 ON THE MONEY

SA GOVERNMENT-OWNED ICT COMPANIES RESTRUCTURE

On 1 April 2001, Telkom will integrate its wholly-owned subsidiary, Intekom, into its operations as an essential part of its new e-business strategy. Telkom is currently rationalising its e-business activities, including all aspects of the Internet. According to Telkom:"As an industry leader and important asset, Intekom is fundamental to Telkom’s current and future endeavours, and the integration will harness synergies between the two companies".Intekom is the third-largest ISP in South Africa and is the fourth largest player in the business arena, and has experienced strong growth in revenue. It is perhaps only the cynical who will ask if integration is such a good idea, why was Intekom spun off in the first place?

The new state-owned information technology company, arivia.kom - formed as a result of the successful merger between ITS, the IT division of Eskom, Datavia, the IT division of Transnet, and Ariel Technologies, the IT division of Denel which was previously announced by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Jeff Radebe, in January, was officially launched. (source: Boot and Telkom)

PINNACLE PLANS TO FACE PROFITS DROP WITH NEW "INCOME MIX"

IT products and services supplier Pinnacle Technology Holdings, which has reported what it calls a "disappointing" 27% drop in operating profit for its interim period, plans to change its income mix. Is this a wider omen?

(source: http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/financial/2001/0103200829.asp)

NASPERS SUBSIDIARY MERGES WITH INTERCONNECTIVE

Media24, a wholly owned Naspers subsidiary, has teamed up with Interconnective Solutions (Isolutions) to form Audio24.

(source: http://www.digitalplanet.co.za/dp/news/red.asp?ID=11116 )

INVESTMENT FOLLOWS BUY-OUT OF TANZANIAN STATE TELCO

Tanzania’s telephone system is poised for a face lift following the transfer to private hands, of the state-owned Tanzanian Telecommmunications Company Limited in a multi-million dollar deal.

(source: http://www.boot.co.za/news/mar01/tanzania28..htm )

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