Control Data to be snapped up by BT

BT has confirmed that it is to buy US-based Control Data Systems for £217 million. Reports began to circulate yesterday that the two were engaged in advanced take-over talks. The move will add muscle to the presence of Syntegra, BT's in-house systems integration business, in the US. Syntegra's strategy is to make small and medium-sized acquisitions in the US. It would prefer a company or group of companies combining computing skills, good customer base, location and commercial performance. Control Data has two main strings to its bow: managing e-commerce solutions for companies, and system integration services support for businesses and government. It is owned by Welsh Carson, Anderson & Stowe, has over 1000 staff, and its last recorded turnover was around $180 million. ®