SPIRIT ACQUIRES ARINDA IT IN 2.6 MILLION DEAL

Spirit (ASX: ST1) has today announced the acquisition of Bigscreensound Pty Ltd, trading as Arinda IT in a $2.6 million deal that will see the telecommunications provider expand its service offering into the Managed Service Provider (MSP) sector.

The acquisition will enhance Spirit’s existing product and service offering to its current SME customer base, as well as providing Spirit with greater access and focus to attractive vertical markets in hospitality and healthcare.

The acquisition of Arinda IT is expected to be highly earnings accretive for Spirit; with a $2.2 million annual revenue run-rate, solid YOY revenue growth of 16%, 12 staff members across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Tweed Heads and Byron Bay, and more than 300 customers across the country.

Established in 2002, Arinda IT primarily serviced the hospitality industry with in-room Internet billing systems and Internet kiosks. It has since expanded into fully managed IT services including data security and protection, Microsoft Office 365 management, Business WIFI solutions, network implementation and disaster recovery services; all of which will be continued as part of Spirit’s new service offering.

Spirit’s Managing Director, Geoff Neate said the acquisition of Arinda IT was an exciting one as the company continues to expand rapidly in both network and service offering, and cementing its position as a major player in the telecommunications market.

“This acquisition brings to Spirit an instantly accretive expansion into Managed Services and the opportunity to diversify our product and service offering to our growing customer base.”

“This marks Spirit’s third acquisition in as many months and is an exciting foray into the complementary sector of managed services. Arinda has a smart team that has demonstrated its ability to grow its top line in a disciplined and well executed manner,” said Mr Neate.

Arinda CEO Ben Smith said, “ Arinda has worked with Spirit for a number of years, and we are excited by the opportunity to work closer towards our growth targets.”

“The Arinda team will become part of a bigger company and with that brings bigger opportunities. We become Spirit’s first MSP and can see the great opportunities for our customers, employees and shareholders,“ said Mr Smith.

ENDS

For all media enquiries regarding Spirit’s acquisition of Arinda, or commentary and interviews with Spirit’s Managing Director, Geoff Neate, please contact:

Megan Chambers | megan@moderncurrency.com.au | 0401 470 609

Erin Sing | erin@moderncurrency.com.au | 0405073362