Access Providers buys Activ

Wireless broadband carrier Access Providers (APV) has bought Sydney-based telecommunications and IT service provider Activ Australia, its third acquisition since the company launched its services in 2003.

The acquisition gives the ASX-listed carrier an instant presence and network in Sydney, said Keith Ondarchie (pictured), CEO at Access Providers.

Over the past 10 years, Activ has acquired around 600 customers, servicing in excess of 25,000 users nationally. The acquisition takes Access Providers’ total customer base to around 1000 companies, he said.

The carrier had been using BigAir’s wireless network in Sydney but would now also rollout its own network in that city following the acquisition, Ondarchie said.

Access Providers picks up 19 staff from the acquisition, taking its total staff roster to 70.

APV expects to report sales revenue in excess of $18.5 million and a net profit of around $1 million for the financial year ending June 30, 2007.

Activ would contribute in excess of $400,000, or 40 percent of its net profit, Ondarchie said.

Activ MD Tim Watson would join Access Providers as director of strategy.

“Access Providers is in a very strong position,” Ondarchie said. “The recently secured $2.84 million from WIN Corporation provides us with many options.”

Ondarchie said it “was more than likely” that the company would look at make more acquisitions in the future.

The company acquired Saise Telecom in September last year and ISP Online 2000 in July.