Internet Technology Group goes Dutch with acquisition

Snaps up Dutch ISP to make play for European business

London-based Internet Technology Group (ITG) has bought Dutch ISP Internet Facilities Europe (IFE) for £4.27 million in a move that marks the company's first major step into the European corporate Internet services market. IFE provides Web hosting services and high-speed Internet access for businesses throughout Holland. Its customers include Siemens-Nixdorf, Silicon Graphics and Fox TV. The Dutch operation will begin marketing services presently offered by ITG's UK subsidiary, GX Networks, once the deal has been finalised. "Acquiring IFE is a significant move for us," said Laurence Blackall, chief executive of ITG. "We now have a great opportunity to start leveraging our significant network investments in new markets... and [this] will enable us to start building up the GX Networks brand in Europe. "This deal provides us with a first class entry point into the European corporate market, with some excellent cross-selling opportunities," he said. Last week, ITG said it planned to expand its telecoms networks after being awarded two licences by the Department of Trade and Industry. ®