Chief Executive Appointment Signals Formation Of New ‘Office Convergence’ Integration Company
Systems Integration business development specialist, Elaine Ford, has been appointed chief executive of a new ‘office
integration’ company to be formed from combining the people and operations of U-Bix Document Solutions and Cogent
Communications.
The combined entity will employ more than 500 people, have annual revenues exceeding $100 million, and plans to offer
the first integrated ‘end-to-end’ package of products and support services required by a modern business office.
Executive chairman, Stefan Preston, said the new office integration company was a natural outcome of the convergence of
office technology. .
“The concept is simple and timely – configuring all office technology products and services from a single point.
However, turning that simple concept into business reality requires high-level systems integration experience. Hence
Elaine Ford’s appointment,” Preston says.
A former general manager of systems integration for Wang New Zealand, and general manager of IBM’s Business Innovation
Services division, Elaine Ford says development of the new ‘office integration’ brand name and product and services
offering is underway. A formal launch is planned “within three months”.
She says the U-Bix and Cogent brand names will be retained. Further company acquisitions will be considered, and new
staff hired, to fill out the complete range of products and services required.
“U-Bix and Cogent are the nucleus of a new combined entity that will be more than the sum of its parts. It’s about
creating the synergy required to deliver the first end-to-end office technology products and services company in the New
Zealand market.”
She says New Zealand businesses should not be required to manage a whole host of disconnected product and service
supplier relationships.
“The technology supporting print and electronic communication devices and services is converging. It’s timely that the
supply, configuration and management of these devices and supporting services should also converge,” Ford says.
“Our proposition goes beyond offering the best products with the best support at the best price. It’s about helping
companies buy and integrate the right mix of products and services appropriate to their business, and minimising the
time and cost of purchasing, training, maintenance and replacement.
She says the new office integration company is planned to grow quickly, including growth through acquisitions.
“We expect to be among the top-ten New Zealand IT companies within a 12-18-month timeframe. Initially our focus will be
in New Zealand, but acquisitions will be made with the larger potential of the Australian market firmly in view,” Ford
says.
U-Bix Document Solutions and Cogent Communications are owned by Hanover Group, the country’s largest privately owned
finance group with assets of over $650 million, annual revenue of $200 million, and 600 employees. Hanover Group brings
together a group of established New Zealand companies, including Elders Finance, Nationwide Finance, Leasing Solutions,
Elders Home Loans and Hanover Securities.
Stefan Preston, executive chairman of U-Bix and Cogent, says the relationship with Hanover is a major strength as
financing will be a key factor in offering a complete, integrated office technology solution.
“For example, we’ll be in a position to offer a fully-outsourced office technology solution to larger companies and to
government and local government departments and agencies. Innovative finance and leasing will underpin our outsourcing
capability and will be a significant contributor to new business growth,” Preston says.
Ends.
Released by Sayle Noble & Associates on behalf of U-Bix/Cogent Communications.
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