Jan/Feb 2005

Vidus, the field service management specialist that emerged from the BT fold, has been acquired by US-based @Road, an established mobile workforce solutions specialist. The total value of the transaction, which involves a mix of share issues and debt settlement, is capped at $54.7 million, and the transaction is due for completion at the end of the first quarter of 2005.

According to Martin Knestrick, Vidus' chief executive: "We believe we are experiencing a shift in technology and an associated increase in customers' expectation of service. Their needs must be met as promised, with greater speed, accuracy and consistency."

@Road says Vidus will be run as a division of the parent company, retaining its UK base in Ipswich.