iiNet takes 60% share in Tech2 Group

Internet service provider iiNet has acquired a 60% interest in the Tech2 Group, which provides professional technology services and solutions to residential and business customers across Australia, including communications build services, remote and on-site technical support and installation services.

Tech2 Group has 650 staff and contractors spread through three well-known brands:

• tech2home connects and sets up on-site home entertainment solutions and provides PC and tablet over-the-phone support services across Australia, offered through a national retail partnership
• tech2business provides national field- and call-centre-based technology solutions for businesses across Australia
• gizmo provides over-the-phone tech support including set-up, networking, repairs and cloud solutions to both home users and small and medium businesses

Tech2 Group also provides telecoms infrastructure build, connection and installation services for the NBN and other telecommunication providers.

iinet says the investment in Tech2Group provides “a complementary focus on customer service, a new sales channel, quickly expands our ability to provide nationwide IT support and provides a ready-built home installation capability, particularly in the area of NBN services”.

Glen Powys, Tech2Group Managing Director, said he and his team are excited about the partnership, with the two groups being logical partners.

“Securing iiNet as a supportive shareholder represents a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth plans,” Powys said. “We believe the transaction provides added benefits to Tech2 Group’s customers and staff as we draw on iiNet’s experience, scale and support.”

iiNet Chief Executive Officer David Buckingham said Tech2 Group represented an opportunity to partner with a business with a strong focus on market-leading customer service, as well as providing a new sales channel and capability set.

“The partnership with Tech2 Group will allow us to both extend our brand and provide a more comprehensive service to our customers, particularly through the delivery of NBN,” Buckingham said. “Importantly, there is a strong cultural alignment between iiNet and Tech2 Group on the approach to customer service and focus on NPS.”