BT has snapped up LAN outfit Total Network Solutions Limited (TNS) for an undisclosed sum, the monster telco announced today.

The UK's dominant telco said the move was part of its plans to gain more ground as a networked services provider and to expand into areas such as LAN, IP telephony, wireless networking and security.

Based in Oswestry in Shropshire, TNS employs 92 people and posted revenues of £14m in 2004.

Since 1997, the voice and data communications outfit has sponsored a football team - Llansantffraid FC - which plays under the TNS company name in the Welsh Premier League.

The team is currently top of the Welsh Premier League and recently played European champions Liverpool in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

BT will not be sponsoring TNS FC as part of the deal. ®