AFFILIATED Computer Services Inc announced the acquisition of Ascom’s Transport Revenue division for SFr130m on August 3. With offices in Switzerland, Italy, Britain, Spain, Hong Kong, the USA, Mexico and Chile, the division had revenue of SFr241m in 2004.

The North and South American part of the Toll business unit is included in the deal, but the European and Asian Toll units will remain with Ascom ’until its economica situation has further improved’. ACS has a pre-emption right on the residual Toll business, and has also made an irrevocable offer for the French Fare Collection & Parking activities.

The total price of SFr130m is dependent on French subsidiary Ascom SA accepting the offer. Closure of the transaction is expected by the end of the year, subject to competition authority approval.

’With the transaction, Ascom has achieved the most important milestone of its strategic focusing communicated in fall 2004’, said Ascom CEO Rudolf Hadorn, adding that ACS ’can offer optimal future prospects for the development of the business, the customers and employees, as Transport Revenue is an industrial and geographical enhancement to ACS’ current activities.’

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