Halifax, NS and Montréal, QC, June 3rd, 2009 - Bell Aliant Regional Communications Income Fund (Bell Aliant) and Abilis Solutions (Abilis) announce that the two parties concluded a share purchase agreement yesterday for Abilis to acquire from Bell Aliant all of the outstanding shares of xwave New England Corp. (xwave New England) for USD $4.5 million.
The xwave New England business provides systems integration expertise in the North Eastern United States, with specific focus on the correctional services market. The division employs approximately 40 employees in Portland, Maine.
“We are pleased to finalize the sale to Abilis of our xwave New England division as this is a very specialized business outside of our core geographical territory,” said Karen Sheriff, Bell Aliant President and CEO. “As we continue to advance the Bell Aliant 2009 business plan and focus on our strategic objectives, xwave remains an important part of our business in serving our enterprise customers with IT solutions. We look forward to working with Abilis through this swift transition for our employees and our clients.”
“The acquisition of xwave New England is a natural expansion for Abilis given our partnership with xwave has been in existence for the past two years,” said Eric Le Goff, President of Abilis. “This transaction allows us to capitalize on our previous successes and expand products and services to a new customer base.”
The companies will work together to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.
About xwave
xwave, a division of Bell Aliant, is an Information Technology company that provides Advanced Technology Solutions and IT Professional Services to its clients, including leading eHealth solutions. Through highly-skilled IT professionals xwave plans, designs, builds, and delivers technology solutions that meet clients’ business needs. xwave employs over 900 people in offices in St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Summerside, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto. More information can be found at www.xwave.com.
About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America’s largest regional communications providers. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services, including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services. Bell Aliant’s employees are committed to deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience. More information can be found at www.bellaliant.ca.
About Abilis
Abilis Solutions specializes in systems and technology integration as well as the development and production of customized applications. With offices in Canada, the United States and France, Abilis Solutions reaches clients in North America and Europe. Abilis Solutions distinguishes itself with its innovation ability, the high level of technological knowledge and productivity of the delivery teams and with a delivery promise based on a fixed-priced approach, most from its Innovation Center located in Montreal. More information can be found at www.abilis.ca.
Media relations:
Alyson Queen
Bell Aliant Public Affairs
902-487-5653
alyson.queen@bellaliant.ca
Hugo Morissette
Abilis Solutions
514-962-4648
hmorissette@abilis.ca
Investor relations:
Zeda Redden
Bell Aliant Investor Relations
902-487-5726
zeda.redden@bellaliant.ca
Bertrand Double
Abilis Solutions
514-844-4888 #213
bdouble@abilis.ca
