NTT Data buys up Extend Technologies

Aussies company becomes part of global SAP service network

Computerworld Staff (Computerworld)
31 August, 2009 15:01
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Tokyo-based NTT Data has completed its acquisition of Australian SAP services and consulting business, Extend Technologies. NTT Data acquired a 51 per cent shareholding in Extend, establishing a presence for the company in the Oceania region for the first time.

The acquisition is part of NTT Data's strategy to expand its specalised SAP consulting businesses. It follows the acquisition of Cirquent in August 2008 and SAP Global Service Partner and SAP Global Hosting Partner, itelligence, in January 2008.

Extend, which began in 2003, has five key lines of business: SAP licensing and services, HCM, SAP/Microsoft integration, Business Intelligence (including Business Objects), and SAP Support. According to company representatives, Extend will continue to function on a business-as-usual basis with workforce, management structures and branding remaining unchanged.

The acquisition will provide Extend with access to enterprise consulting expertise, SAP knowledge and a global service delivery and support infrastructure.

“This partnership combines the power of a dominant global ITTC integrator with one of the fastest growing software solutions companies in Australia,” Extend managing director, Max White, said. "Extend has grown rapidly during the last six years providing solutions to high profile brand name companies.

“It will provide us with access to new resources and expertise, which will benefit our customers and provide our business and our people with exciting opportunities and new challenges. A singular focus on SAP as the strategic enterprise backbone of choice will deliver unparalleled value to our customers.”

NTT Data is a top 500 global IT company and is the 12th largest IT service provider in the world, according to Gartner, with about 2,000 SAP consultants worldwide. The company hopes the partnership will tap into the regional growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, a market that is estimated to be worth $US3 billion by 2012.