UXC buys into smart meteringLiam Tung, ZDNet.com.au22 July 2008...

UXC buys into smart metering
Liam Tung, ZDNet.com.au

22 July 2008 11:20 AM

Tags: acquisition, merger, uxc, smart metering, geoff lord, datatec, solutions group

Diversified technology services firm UXC has bolstered its engineering division with the acquisition of billing and metering firm Datec Queensland.

The acquisition, announced this morning, gives UXC Datec's Toht range of metering applications, used by utilities in the gas and water sectors.

UXC's finance director and company secretary, Mark Hubbard, told ZDNet.com.au the acquisition was "minor" in the large scheme of things.

"It only adds around 10 to 12 people to the company," he said. "It strengthens the existing play in UXC's Engineering Solutions group, which is focused on advanced metering."

Hubbard would not disclose the value of the acquisition, or what customers it had gained via the deal.

Datec will be slotted into UXC's Field Solutions Group, which focuses on asset and data management for utilities. Datec will join UXC's other utility-focused subsidiaries, which include drilling, recruitment, metering and construction for the energy sector.

According to Hubbard, UXC has a "strong franchise" in electricity metering, however, the Datec buy strengthened its capabilities in gas and water metering.