27 Oct 11. ManTech International Corporation (Nasdaq:MANT – News) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Worldwide Information Network Systems, Inc. (WINS) for $90m in cash. WINS is a leading IT solutions provider, specializing in network and infrastructure engineering, enterprise architecture, cyber security and systems development, software development and integration, and end-user workspace management. ManTech expects the acquisition to be accretive to its earnings per share in 2012. Headquartered in Seabrook, Maryland and founded in 2001, WINS is a privately held company providing global support and IT services to the Department of Defense, Department of State and other agencies. WINS will become a part of ManTech’s Mission, Cyber and Technology Solutions group, led by L. William Varner. The acquisition will enable ManTech to deliver IT services through WINS’ prime position on the Defense Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) Solutions for Information Technology Enterprises (SITE) contract, an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract vehicle with a $6.6bn ceiling and period of performance through 2015. (Source: Yahoo!/BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Oct 11. Thales is in exclusive talks to sell its business solutions IT business to French group GFI Informatique. Thales Services’ business solutions business, which has annual revenues of around €75m, manages large scale IT systems deployments in institutions such Paris hospitals and the national library. The unit lies outside the scope of its core defence usinesses. Paris-based Thales, which changed its name from Thomson-CSF after its £1,300m acquisition in late 2000 of UK defence electronics group Racal Electronics Plc, is the world’s11th largest defence contractor. With the French government being its single largest stockholder, the company had revenues of €13.12bn last year. GFI Informatique is a leading European value-added services and software company occupying a strategic position differentiating between operators world-scale and niche players. With a profile of multi-specialist, the group offers to its customers a unique combination of proximity, industry organisation and industrial quality solutions. The Euronext Paris, and NYSE Euronex listed company reported a turnover of €658m last year. It has subsidiaries in Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Canada. GFI Informatique said in a statement that the, “merger with GFI would first establish a long term partnership with Thales, which is a client of Business Solutions, and strengthen the presence of all major industrial groups with bank or in France. On the other hand, it would provide ability to “delivery” of significant size in the French market and offer a range of sector expertise strengthened, particularly in the Product Life cycle Management.” Reuters reported, citing sources that bankers estimate the deal to be worth around €400m ($552m).(Source: Google)
27 Oct 11. Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc.(AMEX: PNS – News) reported its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2011. John D. Bair, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer,
stated, “Today we have zero debt and are accumulating cash for investment in growth; we have delivered seven sequential quarters of profitability (including a record fiscal 2010); and have a flatter organization with a leaner overhead cost structure. Today’s 33% gross margins are ten points higher than past years’, and SG&A has been reduced by half. All of this was accomplished in the worst economic environment in a generation. I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am with the accomplishments of the PDSi team, and the transformation of our business that is a result of their hard work.” Total sales were $6.7m for the 2011 third quarter, down slightly compared to the second quarter of 2011. Timothy J. Harper, Chief Operating Officer, added, “Revenue roughly plateaued in the third quarter relative to Q2 — when PDSi set a n