C&W snaps up UK data integration specialist

Cable & Wireless (C&W) today announced the acquisition of UK-based ML Integration as part of its strategy to offer business-oriented data and IP-related services and products.

Founded in 1993, ML Integration's clients include Tesco, British Gas, HSBC and Abbey National. No price was quoted for the purchase. John Dowbiggin, director of integration for C&W, said the purchase was the latest of a dozen such acquisitions in the past 18 months and fitted well with the overall strategy. He said: "This is an enhancement to what we are already doing and adds more skills." George Macfarlane, founder and CEO of ML Integration, said the sale to C&W would enable the company to develop its internet and IP technologies. "We had looked at a number of options and decided that selling to a major company with a clear IP strategy was the best route," he said. Last year, ML Integration had a turnover of £32m with profits of about £1m and it has since experienced significant growth. It employs 357 people, who will be absorbed by the new owners. C&W, whose annual turnover to March 2000 was £9bn, has been focussing on the business backbone, selling its consumer interests and marketing itself as a global corporate service provider. By Geoffrey Davies