Wednesday November 3, 7:00 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Convergent Communications
Convergent Communications Expands
Capabilities in Atlanta; Acquires Entre Business Technology
Group
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergent Communications(TM) (Nasdaq:
CONV - news), an Enterprise Network Carrier providing single-source business communication
solutions, has acquired Atlanta-based Entre Business Technology Group for approximately $6.7
million in combined cash, stock and the assumption of debt.
``Adding Entre gives our Atlanta operations the inside track to become one of our first $50
million markets,' said John R. Evans, chairman and chief executive officer of Convergent
Communications. ``Because of the distinct strengths of both organizations, this is a case where
the sum is greater than the parts, with customers as the true beneficiaries. Clients now have the
benefit of a single-source provider of expanded data and voice services and the option to
outsource a total communication solution.'
Entre, a privately held provider of data integration and professional services to more than 500
active customers in Atlanta, reported approximately $23 million in revenue for its fiscal year
ended June 30, 1999. During its 18-year operating history, Entre has installed more than 5,000
networks throughout the country.
According to Keith V. Burge, president and chief operating officer for Convergent
Communications, Entre's outstanding sales and engineering expertise and its established market
presence ``significantly enhances our Atlanta operations.'
``As part of Convergent Communications, we will now be able to provide our customers a
broader range of services, including real-time network management services, data and voice
transport services, and a full range of Internet services,' said Jim Hindy, founder and former
president of Entre. ``Most importantly, we can now offer a total business communications
package with Convergent Communications' ENS solution.'
ENS is Convergent Communications' signature offering. With ENS, Convergent Communications
becomes the outsourced service provider for clients by owning all, or a portion, of the existing
communications system, providing professional services inside the client's business enterprise,
and delivering transport services outside the client's premises. In return for a monthly service
payment, Convergent Communications provides clients with communications networking
solutions that reduce capital expenditures and technical staffing requirements, and lowers the
risks associated with rapidly evolving communications, data and Internet technologies.
About Entre Business Technology Group
Founded in 1981, Entre provides a wide range of data consulting, design, integration,
implementation and support services to small- and medium-sized business clients and
governmental agencies in Georgia. A Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider, Entre also has
strong business relationships with Compaq, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Ingram Micro and TechData.
Entre has approximately 70 sales, engineering and administrative employees who will be
consolidated into Convergent Communications' operations. |
