Telstra buys NSC

Telstra has bought unified communications integrator NSC Group in a bid to grow its IT solutions business. 

NSC currently services 600 customers across the Asia Pacific region with technology support services, including videoconferencing and contact centre solutions. It is one of top 10 largest systems integrators in Australia, reporting $62 million in revenues for the 2010 CRN Fast50.

The deal comes amid predictions of increased M&A activity in the local tech sector and channel as companies seek to buffer themselves against flat market conditions. NSC rival, Brennan IT told CRN yesterday it was on the hunt for acquisitions, three months after industry giant Datacom bought failed Western Australia SI XciteLogic.

Telstra’s head of network applications and services, Dave Burns, said in a statement Telstra would integrate NSC’s capabilities into its own unified communications and network based services.

NSC’s 230 staff would be retained by Telstra, which has been expanding its IT services capabilities organically and by acquisition for several years.

“Unified communications can transform an organisation by integrating communication and collaboration applications such as voice, video, messaging, email and social media," Burns said.

“Adding NSC’s capability to Telstra’s own unified communications and network-based services...will help us create even more compelling solutions for our customers.”

NSC Group chairman Craig Neil said the acquisition would strengthen Telstra’s business and offer current NSC customers great support. 

“We recognise our business is a terrific fit for Telstra," he said in a statement.

“We know our customers will continue to receive outstanding service and our people will add great capability to Telstra.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.