TELSTRA GROUP LIMITED 
By Telstra today announced it had acquired O2 Networks (O2), a leading Australian provider of network and security consulting and integration services for Australian enterprise customers.
Headquartered in Melbourne, O2 has more than 100 staff serving 370 customers and has designed, implemented and managed networks for clients including some of Australia's largest financial institutions and government owned enterprises
Telstra's Network Applications and Services (NAS) Executive Director Michelle Bendschneider said the acquisition would contribute to Telstra's strategy of expanding its network services.
"As our customers shift towards cloud-based environments, they increasingly require capabilities to securely integrate networks, data centres and cloud-based applications," Ms Bendschneider said.
"O2 significantly enhances this capability within Telstra's NAS portfolio and this acquisition is consistent with our strategy of providing advanced network-based services that are highly valued by our customers.
"O2 have a reputation for deep-domain expertise and speed to market with emerging technologies including wireless network integration and next generation security threat detection and mitigation solutions. We value O2's consulting-led approach to engaging with customers, ensuring the right solutions are developed rather than just focusing on the underlying technologies that are delivered.
"Following our recent acquisition of NSC Group, we continue to invest in capabilities that improve the efficiency of our customers' businesses and enhance the way they serve their own customers," Ms Bendschneider said.
O2 Networks Managing Director Euan Prentice said O2 and Telstra enjoyed a long-standing relationship and the combination of O2 and Telstra was logical for both companies.
"We're excited by the opportunity for O2 to grow as part of Telstra and to provide the same excellent service we're known for to even more customers. We have a long history of working with Telstra and we know that O2 will be an excellent fit. We also look forward to enabling our people to broaden their career opportunities within Telstra," Mr Prentice said.
Telstra continues to build momentum in its NAS portfolio, which provides enterprise and business customers managed network and security services as well as cloud and communications services. In the year ended 30 June 2013, the portfolio increased revenue by 17.7 per cent, including the commencement of a $1.1 billion six year contract with the Department of Defence as well as international agreements with Jetstar and Fitness First.
Ms Bendschneider said the O2 brand would be retained for the time being and all O2 staff will continue to be employed by Telstra after the acquisition. The acquisition is complete and was not subject to ACCC approval.
Scott Whiffin
0477 350 197
media@team.telstra.com
Reference Number: 008/2014
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