Datatec shareholders will probably have to wait up to a year for the group’s Westcon International business to turn a profit, and a further 12 months before that unit reaches a full turnaround, management said on Thursday. Westcon International, which contributes 59% of Datatec’s revenues, but has weighed on earnings in recent years, recorded a loss from continuing operations in the year to February of $147m. Because of this, Datatec’s losses widened from $53m to $118m. Datatec is an information and communications technology firm that generates about half of its revenues from Europe. Datatec CEO Jens Montanana said the loss was partly the result of the costs associated with providing certain services to Westcon Americas, the business Datatec has sold but to which it remains tied during a handover period to August 2018. Montanana said Westcon International’s decision to outsource certain services – a two-year project – had backfired, as this had pushed up costs and led to “poorer ser...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.