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VIA NET.WORKS Portugal Changes Name to Claranet
Published: 20-04-2006
Lisbon, 28th March 2006 - VIA NET.WORKS Portugal has changed its name to Claranet, assuming total integration within the Claranet Group, one of Europe's leading independent Internet Service Providers. Claranet acquired VIA NET.WORKS Portugal in July 2005. Prior to this, VIA NETWORKS Inc had acquired Esoterica S.A, the first private ISP in Portugal, in May 1999.
Since July 2005, when the business agreement was signed, the two companies' integration has been seamlesss, resulting in a portfolio of products and services, with upgraded characteristics and functionalities.
"During these months, VIA and the Claranet Group have been real partners, ensuring their customers receive top quality services and solutions," says António Miguel Ferreira, General Manager of Claranet Portugal. "Now, it is time to change our brand name to Claranet and present ourselves in the Portuguese market with a new name, a new business strategy and establish coherent communication in line with the group guidelines. We are extremely pleased to be a part of this group, a leader in the business IP solutions market. Companies will now have a strong provider, with comprehensive experience, resources, and unmatched technical support, catering to all their communication and Internet requirements."
Says Charles Nasser, CEO of Claranet: "VIA, now Claranet Portugal, acquires considerably new resources, technology and know-how. Claranet Portugal will be able to better address the growing needs of the Portuguese companies, that regard Internet as a way of creating new business opportunities, raising their efficiency and competitiveness. Claranet Portugal will remain committed to the excellence of client service, aiming for total satisfaction of the specific needs of companies who need a long term partner, to take advantage of the whole potential that Internet provides to the growth of their business."
In terms of future goals, Claranet will ensure continuous innovation, in order to provide more value to their customers and maintain excellent financial performance. With more than 180,000 customers in the public and private sectors and over one million home users throughout Europe, Claranet's main goal is to maintain strong organic growth, keeping pace with the growing needs of its customers.
With the announcement of the new name and the re-branding of the company's image, Claranet Portugal also changed the name of the technical Data Centre, a new specially conceived facility, and their office to Parque das Nações. The company is also expected to launch several new hosting services, Virtual Private Networks and VoIP solutions. The new company headquarters is now:
Edifício Parque Expo Av. D. João II, 1.07-2.1, R/C 1998-014 Lisboa
VIA NET.WORKS UK Takes A U-Turn
Published: 07-10-2005
London, 7 October: VIA NET.WORKS UK Limited, a Claranet Company has changed its name to U-NET UK Limited. The company, which was acquired by Claranet in September 2004 for £7.3 million cash, will continue to operate as normal under its new name.
Claranet Expands Into The Managed Hosting Market
By Buying Artful S.A. in France
Published: 10-10-2005
London, 10 October 2005 - Artful, a leading provider of managed hosting services in France is delighted to announce that it has joined the Claranet Group, Europe's largest private provider of IP services.
With over 180 000 business customers and revenues in excess of 120 millions Euros across 7 countries, Claranet strengthens its position as a European leader in IP services and particularly in outsourced managed hosting.
Founded in 1997 Artful, based in Rennes, has become a leader in managing business critical hosted applications covering databases, intranets, extranets, web sites and enterprise systems including Citrix and Oracle. The company boasts an impressive customer list including Universal Music, Airbus, Veolia environment, Olympique de Marseille, Vivendi Universal, L'occitane and Sojasun.
"With this strategic acquisition the Claranet Group allows Artful to strengthen its technical offering and expand its portfolio of services across Europe to improve the service it gives its customers." said Olivier Beaudet, managing director of Artful.
Artful and Claranet's customers will benefit from a larger infrastructure with increased investment in developing and managing complex solutions across the group.
"Claranet continues to develop its value added offering to deliver leading IP solutions and make sure its customers have access to the industry's best technologies. The acquisition of Artful is in line with our strategy of expanding our portfolio of services and build on the group's revenues and profits." said Nicolas Prouteau, managing director of Claranet France.
Claranet Purchases Amen Group and VIA Operations In the
Netherlands, Portugal and the USA, for $9.3 Million in Cash
Published: 12-07-2005
London, July 12, 2005: Claranet and VIA NET.WORKS (Nasdaq: VNWI), today announced the sale of the Amen Group and VIA operations in the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA to Claranet for $9.3 million, in cash.
With over 180 000 business customers and €120m in revenues, Claranet is strengthening its position as the leading non-telco provider of business communication services, in Europe. Through this acquisition, Claranet becomes the sixth-largest hosting provider in Europe.
"Claranet continues to grow rapidly and strengthen its position, in the European market through this acquisition," says Claranet Group CEO, Charles Nasser. "We look forward to building on our success and nine year track record of developing and providing leading IP services."
Established in 1996, Claranet acquired Netscalibur in 2003,
and VIA's UK operations in late 2004.
Claranet Buys VIA NET.WORKS UK For £7.3 Million in Cash
Published: 28-09-2004
London, Monday 27th September 2004 - Claranet Limited and Via net.works Inc. (Nasdaq: VNWI; EASE) today announced the sale of the United Kingdom operation of Via net.works Inc. to Claranet for £7.3 million in cash.
Deal terms Under the terms of the agreement, VIA received £5.3 million in cash upon close of the sale, with £2.0 million cash held in escrow, half of which is to be paid in six months and the other half after one year.
CEO comments "Following our past acquisitions on the continent and last year's acquisition of Netscalibur, Claranet is consolidating its position as the leading non-telecommunications Internet Service Provider to business, adding to the group's revenues and profits." said Charles Nasser, CEO, Claranet Group.
Commenting on the sale Rhett Williams, VIA's CEO, said: "Following our acquisitions of Amen and PSINet Europe this year, this transaction furthers the emphasis of our revenue mix towards hosting, security and other managed services. It also allows us to focus on our core operations in continental Europe and the US. As required by the SEC, we are filing a form 8K detailing the transaction."
Transition To ensure an orderly transition, Claranet will have the right to use the VIA NET.WORKS UK brand for a limited period of time. VIA's UK customers will continue to enjoy the same quality of service, while now having access to the full Claranet suite of products.
Claranet Buys Netscalibur UK to Lead Sector Consolidation
Published: 29-07-2003
Cash deal creates largest non-telco Internet Service Provider to business, with operations across four countries and more than 40,000 business customers.
Deal is the largest UK ISP acquisition of 2003
Claranet, now the UK's largest non-telco Internet Service Provider to business, today announces the acquisition for an undisclosed cash sum of Netscalibur UK, a provider of Internet services to UK businesses. The acquisition confirms Claranet's position as one of Europe's leading Internet firms and is the largest such deal to have occurred in the UK in the past year.
The combined group will have an annual turnover in excess of £70m and a customer base of more than 40,000 businesses, giving it the scale to lead further consolidation in the sector. Claranet has been ebitda positive since 1999.
"We are focused on offering our national and international customers the widest choice and best service in the industry. Following our acquisitions in Spain and Germany, this deal makes us one of the fastest growing ISPs in Europe." said Charles Nasser, CEO, Claranet Group.
"This deal significantly strengthens Claranet's position in the UK's competitive business services market. Netscalibur UK's services and customer base complement our own, whilst our European reach will provide added value to existing Netscalibur UK customers."
The acquisition will give Claranet the financial clout and skills-set to lead consolidation across the business Internet services market. Claranet won Best Business ISP in the ISPA (Internet Service Provider Association) Awards in both 2002 and 2003 as well as "Best ISP on the Planet" from Internet Magazine.
Claranet originated in the UK in 1996 and has since become one of the most successful independent Internet Service Providers in Europe, with operations also in France, Spain, and Germany. For business users across Europe, Claranet is able to provide managed connectivity and web hosting services, e-commerce, Leased Lines, DSL, VPNs and security products.
Like Claranet, Netscalibur UK is a successful business out-pacing market growth. Today's deal will offer greater financial stability to its extensive customer-base, which includes blue chip clients such as Lycos, Countrywide, and Harvey Nichols.
Claranet Announces Ground-Breaking Value
Leased Line Internet Access Services
Published: 09-07-2003
In line with its policy of being at the vanguard of product development and offering the best value corporate Internet services in all the countries in which it operates, Claranet, Europe's largest independent corporate ISP has today announced the launch of its Clara.access pure.stream range of leased line access services.
Steve Rawlinson, Managing Director of Claranet's UK operations said: "As more and more of our customers seek to make greater use of IP technology, it makes sense for us to drive forward with new and innovative services. The Clara.access pure stream range of services delivers unrestricted Internet access to our customers, from the largest independent corporate ISP in the country and with an industry-leading Service Level Guarantee."
Nick Sellors, Sales Director of Claranet commented: "We have always said that we would react quickly to market demands and here we have demonstrated that commitment. Our customers were concerned at the slow rate of decreases in telco access charges, so we grabbed the bull by the horns and have developed this service in-house"
Rawlinson continued: "The market has been crying out for corporate-grade 2Mb Internet leased line services at under £5000 per year and we are extremely proud to be the first company to offer this. Whilst launching these services in inner London initially, we intend to roll this out nationwide over the next several months via our extensive and diverse PoP network."
Claranet Launches New Managed Server Hosting Services
Published: 24-03-2003
Claranet, the UK's leading independent Internet Service Provider, has today launched a range of managed server hosting services. The managed hosting services are an extension of Claranet's well-established dedicated server hosting services. However, this new service offers a complete bespoke, tailored package, set up and administered by Claranet.
The customer has a choice of operating system applications (Windows 2000, XP/NT, Linux (Redhat), FreeDSB), and a wide choice of optional security services such as anti-virus solutions and content filters. Effectively, this means that not only does the customer not have the hard work of setting up and maintaining the service, (saving on time and costs); they also have the ability to choose the product spec according to their budget and requirements.
Claranet can support a wide range of popular applications and are able to either advise customers on the most suitable application from a list of approved leading suppliers for their requirements, or consider specific application requests. Upgrade options are available during the term of the contract and there is also 24 hour replacement policy within the first 12 months of the contract.
A number of back up and security options are available as optional extras. These include, but are not limited to, local back up disaster recovery, intrusion detection security audits and firewalls.
Neil Levine, Claranet Chief Technical Officer Director said, "We are delighted to be able to further enhance our standard dedicated server hosting service offering and to be able give business customers the added support and management services they need".
Claranet Wins The ISPA's "Best Business ISP" Award
Published: 20-02-2003
Claranet, the UK's largest independent ISP, for the second consecutive year, has won the "Best Business ISP" award in the Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA) awards, beating tough competition from Easynet, Energis, Pipex and BT.
The ISPA commented that: "Claranet wins this award for the second time in a row. The judges sited their continued focus on good customer service to the business community."
One of the core criteria for this award was a substantial presence nationally, and the award was given to Claranet based on its performance, customer care, value for money, innovation and vision.
Nick Wells, Claranet's marketing director said, "We are delighted to once again receive this award. Our business services division continues to grow at a rapid rate whilst still offering the same competitive, reliable products backed by our commitment to personal customer service. We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support, and look forward to a successful 2003."
The ISPA awards are unique in that they are given by the industry itself to recognise individuals and companies whose achievements are worthy of special attention. The winners were announced at the 2003 ISPA Awards Ceremony on 20th February 2003 at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London.
Claranet Acquires German Subsidiary of Netscalibur
Published: 17-09-2002
Claranet, the UK's largest independent ISP, today announces the acquisition of the German subsidiary of Netscalibur for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition provides Claranet with operations in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, complimenting existing infrastructure and making Claranet one of the major players in Europe's largest market. Netscalibur are to focus resources for further investment in the UK and Italy.
Netscalibur, the provider of managed Internet services to European business, is exiting the German market to focus on its profitable and rapidly growing operations in the UK and Italy. The German operation accounts for a small share of overall revenues and will enable Netscalibur to free up resources to accelerate the development of its growing suite of Internet Protocol (IP) services.
"This deal represents Claranet's second acquisition and its first major consolidation acquisition. Claranet has been looking for opportunities to expand its European business and the opportunity to acquire the German subsidiary of Netscalibur met our focused strategic business requirements in Germany and forms the basis of further expansion plans in Europe," said Charles Nasser, CEO, Claranet Group.
Since its launch in Frankfurt in August 2000, Claranet Germany has experienced rapid organic growth offering comprehensive Internet access, hosting and IP security solutions. Claranet Germany becomes Claranet's second largest operation after the UK. Through the deal, Claranet expands its presence in Germany to add Munich and Berlin.
Netscalibur became ebitda+ in the second quarter of 2002 and is on course to achieve growth of nearly 20% in IP revenues this year. Recent account wins include a six-figure web hosting deal with Lycos and a €2.5m contract with Deutsche Telekom in Italy.
Francesco Caio, CEO of Netscalibur, said: "Our unique position in the business market has been strengthened by the further decline of large infrastructure players such as Energis, KPNQwest and Global Crossing; corporate clients increasingly look for service providers with a sound financial base and a competent team capable of guaranteeing security of supply and business continuity."
"Thanks to our results and financial position we remain on the look out for opportunities to create value through further acquisitions in our strategic markets."
DSL Price Reduction Warning
Published: 28-02-2002
Whilst Claranet, the UK's largest independent ISP, is encouraged by BT's decision to cut the cost of wholesale DSL, it still believes that what the broadband market really needs is proper competition.
"We welcome the news that we are now able to provide our customers with a DSL service at a lower price, and we do envisage an increase in the total number of orders across the UK, but we are in danger of forgetting the real issue – the need for competition." Said Steve Rawlinson, Claranet's managing director.
"We do not want this price reduction to stop Oftel from sorting out the LLU process, which has so far been an unmitigated disaster. Unless Oftel continues to come under pressure, to get the local loop unbundling (LLU) process back on track, or to put some other mechanism for true competition in place, they will have essentially handed the UK broadband market to one company – BT."
He added, "To date all that has happened is that the price has come down to a level that the industry has been saying is reasonable for two years, and BT has managed to maintain its stranglehold on the DSL market. We need some of the bigger hitters within the telecommunications market to get back in the LLU process, so that they can provide a reach comparative to that offered by BT.
"We should also remember that price is not the only concern with DSL. If service levels are poor, ISPs need to be able to buy the service from other wholesale providers.
"The price reductions will obviously please consumers in the short term, but the real danger is that in the long term, with less incentive to get the LLU in place, Oftel will have allowed BT to maintain its monopolistic position in the broadband market, which will be a disaster for the UK."
Claranet Launch New Range of Self-Install ADSL Products
Published: 04-02-2002
Claranet, the UK's largest independent Internet Service Provider, has launched its new Self-Install ADSL products. The new range of ADSL packages has a number of advantages over traditional ADSL packages. Customers are given the opportunity of installing whichever router or modem they wish, providing them with the freedom to choose how to set up and use their broadband connection. Consequently, there is no longer any need for an engineer to visit the customers' premises, saving time in the installation process.
The new ClaraDSL Self-Install packages are more cost effective, with cheaper installation charges, and a shorter lead-time – usually up to 5 days from ordering the ADSL line. There is also a flexible contract period, in comparison to the fixed 12-month period for the standard ADSL packages.
Nick Wells, the company's marketing director said: "The introduction of the ClaraDSL Self-Install products represents a major step forward in the development of ADSL in the UK, overcoming some of the barriers to the take up of broadband."
Claranet provides an ADSL enabled line to the customer's premises that is terminated on a standard BT PSTN master socket. The customer installs whichever router of modem they desire to the wall socket instead of the current BT provided kit. A two-way splitter or micro-filter (also available from Claranet) is plugged into the BT phone socket connected to the telephony system in order to split voice services from the ADSL service. Plugging additional micro-filters into every BT phone socket can enable multiple sockets.
Running alongside the company's existing ADSL portfolio, the new ClaraDSL Self-Install products are available with a choice of three download speeds – up to 512Kbps, 1024Kbps and 2048Kbps.
Prices start at £39.99 +VAT per month for the USB package ClaraDSL Solo Self-Install. This has a contention ratio of 50:1 and is recommended for use with a single pc. The remaining packages have contention ratios of 20:1 and are recommended for use with 1-5, 5-10 and 10-15 machines respectively.
Claranet Group Appoints New UK Managing Director
Published: 30-01-2002
Claranet Group, Europe's largest independent Internet Service Provider has appointed Steve Rawlinson, currently the group chief technical officer, as the managing director of Claranet UK.
Commenting on his appointment, Steve Rawlinson said: "I am delighted to take on a new role within Claranet. It is not by chance that after the 'Internet bubble' burst Claranet has thrived and grown in an environment when a lot of other ISPs have disappeared. I look forward to building upon our success in the years ahead."
Charles Nasser, the founder of the Claranet Group, will now focus on his role as Group CEO, looking to exploit the opportunities presented in the expanding European Internet and telecommunications markets.
The European Internet market is still young and fragmented, and Claranet is one of the few British-born ISPs to expand successfully on the continent and offer one-stop pan-European solutions.
As an independently owned ISP, Claranet is well placed to react quickly to the latest technological developments in an increasingly dynamic market place, offering innovative, flexible and cost effective Internet services to businesses and consumers across the UK, France, Germany and Spain.
Claranet Short Listed for 4 ISPA Awards
Published: 17-01-2002
Claranet, the UK's largest independent ISP, has been short listed for awards in four categories at this years' ISPA Awards. The categories include:
Best Pan European Consumer ISP - Best Unmetered Consumer ISP Best National Business ISP - Best Small Business ISP
The Pan European ISPs will be judged on their performance, customer care, value for money, European presence and innovation. Companies short listed for the Unmetered award, must offer an unmetered product which will be judged in terms of its performance, customer care, value for money, vision and innovation.
National business ISPs must have a substantial presence nationally. Companies will be judged solely on UK operations in terms of their performance, customer care, value for money, innovation and vision.
And finally, ISPs offering services primarily to small businesses will be judged on their performance, support, price, business services, education and training and service level agreements.
The ISPA awards are given by the industry itself to recognise individuals and companies whose achievements are worthy of special attention. This is the second year that Claranet has been short listed for an award. The winners of each award will be announced at the ISPA Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 13th February 2002, being held at the ISPCON show at Olympia, London.