The Aviat Networks and Ubuntu Technologies and have combined revenue of more than R6-billion to create a new class of telecommunications company that combines both local and international expertise.
The venture came about when NASDAQ-listed Aviat Networks set out to find a BEE partner that would enable it to expand its reach into the South African market.
Ubuntu brings knowledge of local needs from its experience in providing wireless, networking, data centre and client services and solutions primarily to the public sector.
Aviat has a strong track record in the telecommunications sector and, in a survey conducted by California-based Infonetics Research, was recognized as the top microwave specialist by network providers around the world.
“Aviat-Ubuntu intends to be a force to be reckoned with in the telecommunications sector,” says Ubuntu CEO, Wandile Bereng. “By joining forces, our two companies will be able to compete aggressively in the telecommunication sector, and will be able to expand our client base significantly.”
The new company will be headed up by CEO Allen Tshabangu, who has over 20 years’ of business experience, working for companies such as the Standard Bank Group, M-NET and Norwich Investments.
He has also been involved in some notable mergers and acquisitions’, including the acquisitions of Sandton City, the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk, is a non-executive director of Escalator Capital, and a director and board member of Ubuntu Technologies.
“Aviat-Ubuntu aims to support the development of the country’s economic potential by leveraging off the expertise of the two partners,” says Tshabangu. “The new company is uniquely positioned to provide end-to-end solutions, and also to compete for market share based on improved efficiencies that will accrue from economies of scale.”