Centurion, 17 November 2007, Parsec and Redline wish to announce that Parsec has acquired a majority stake in Redline, one of the leading designers and manufacturers of Free Space Optical (FSO) transceiver systems in the world. As part of the strategic drive to grow Parsec’s business into the telecom product arena, Redline will be led by Rynier van der Watt, a founder member and director of Parsec.
Rynier said, “This acquisition is aligned with Parsec’s long term strategy to become a significant player in the telecommunications arena by forging strong technology partnerships with companies in the high-end telecommunication sector. For this reason Parsec is delighted to collaborate with Redline. “
Former Redline MD, Johan Steyn explained, “It makes sense to join the two businesses as the fit is perfectly complementary. The major stumbling block to future Redline growth was its inability to source the technical expertise and capability required to meet the exponential growth in customer requirements. It became patently obvious that we would dramatically ‘fast track’ the future development requirement, both in terms of ‘time to market’ and cost, by enlisting Parsec’s involvement in Redline.”
By leveraging on Parsec’s world-class development and design experience in various telecommunication applications as well as its manufacturing capabilities, Redline will be empowered to offer its client base an enhanced choice of solutions and extended product offering that includes new products, complementary partner products, as well as Parsec’s network and datacom capabilities.
The vision for the road ahead is to grow Redline into the finest Free Space Optical (FSO) equipment provider of high-end communication and data link solutions world-wide. By combining the expertise, capabilities, experience and strengths of the two companies, the edge of those who associate with the new alliance will most certainly be sharpened.
Rynier explained, “Parsec has strong roots in telecoms and boasts successes in protocol converters, fixed line communication, wireless communication, networking, data acquisition and GSM network test equipment. International telecom clients include Alcatel in Canada and Siemens in Germany. Locally Atio Corporation, Grintek and Telkom have benefited from Parsec expertise. ”
Steyn added, “Redline has developed an effective distribution channel which comprises leading telecoms and datacoms integrators in over 30 countries, as well as the key telecoms operators and ISPs in those countries, all untapped potential for Parsec.”
Redline will operate as an independent subsidiary of Parsec. Johan remains on as a director and Charl Basson continues as Marketing and Sales Director. In a joint statement, Johan and Rynier emphasized, “The combined team is dedicated to ensuring that our service is not compromised in any way; if anything, we will do our utmost to provide our clients with an even better service and more outstanding products. The nature of our varied experience lends itself to infinite possibilities when it comes to finding technology-enabled solutions to meet customers’ needs.”
About Parsec
Established in 1993 and based in Highveld Techno Park, Parsec is a technology force that specializes in developing and producing systems and sub-systems for a wide spectrum of clients in the global telecommunication, industrial and defense/aerospace market sectors. With its 90 employees, 35 of whom are highly qualified electronic engineers, Parsec is able to offer a unique blend of one-stop electronic design and production services.
About Redline
Founded by Johan Steyn in 2001, Redline is the leading Free Space Optical equipment vendor on the African continent. As a “last mile” wireless solutions provider, Redline has installed its products in over 30 countries where it is the preferred supplier of FSO links to GSM operators, Telcos, ISPs and data system integrators.
For additional information contact Rynier van der Watt, Johan Steyn or Charl Basson at
Redline Telecommunications SA
www.redlinesa.com
Tel: 012 678 9740
