Australia's largest regional internet
service provider (ISP), iiNet Ltd, and New Zealand-based ISP, ihug,
are to join forces in a $81.4 million deal. The two companies will
merge to form one trans-Tasman internet and communications company
with 300,000 customers, iiNet said on september 16.bIt will make
iiNet the fifth-largest ISP in Australia and ihug the third biggest
in New Zealand.
"The two businesses could not be a better fit," iiNet managing director Michael Malone said. "IiNet and ihug share very similar backgrounds and business objectives and both companies have a strong focus on providing a high standard of customer service and value for money."
business, which is an area that iiNet has long been keen to expand."
All iiNet and ihug staff will be retained when the companies merge in October, Mr Malone said.
