Philip Chambers, chairman of CSG, says, “Onesource was a standout acquisition target due to its outstanding performance in the New Zealand market and the high calibre of the management team.”
CSG says the transaction has the full support of Konica Minolta Business Technologies in Japan, which will retain its 10 per cent shareholding in the New Zealand business, as part of a long term joint venture relationship that ensures exclusive distribution and support of Konica Minolta products and services to the New Zealand market. It also facilitates direct access to Konica Minolta’s research and development and manufacturing resources in Japan.
In 2005, Evan Johnson, chief executive of Onesource, led a management buyout team, which purchased the businesses. He says the Konica Minolta and Leasing Solutions businesses have prospered under the current ownership structure and management team. He contends that, despite a difficult recessionary environment in recent times, the businesses have continued to develop, grow and produce strong returns. He believes that, having come through the recession in good shape, the businesses sit well positioned for the future.
Johnson comments that teaming up with one of Australasia’s largest IT and print services companies and retaining the continued support of Konica Minolta Business Technologies in Japan will position the New Zealand business very strongly for continued success and growth. He says, “We are passing from one successful ownership structure to another, with an opportunity to build on the great results we have achieved in the past several years.”
Retaining his role as managing director of the New Zealand businesses, Johnson will join the CSG Australasian steering committee to support the development of the CSG business on both sides of the Tasman. He says, “This is an exciting opportunity for our business as we combine our leadership position in New Zealand alongside a highly skilled team in Australia with the resources, the ability and the desire to embark on a significant growth programme.”
The committee also includes Philip Chambers; David Ward, former head of sales and marketing for Fuji Xerox Australia; and Denis Mackenzie, CEO and foundation shareholder of CSG.
Johnson continues, “From a customer viewpoint, the new ownership has a number of advantages. Clearly CSG has significant financial strength and views Konica Minolta New Zealand as a long term, strategic business. The keys to success in the document solutions market are providing tangible value for customers, and matching high quality products with outstanding levels of service and support. We have excelled in all these areas in a difficult climate and we will continue to invest to ensure we stay at the top.”
He points out that Konica Minolta New Zealand and CSG are the largest independent document solutions providers in their respective countries, adding, “There are clear synergies between the two businesses. The new ownership is extremely exciting for staff and customers.”
CSG, the largest independent document solutions provider in Australia and the only ASX listed company head-quartered in the Northern Territory, provides end to end integrated technology solutions in all major Australian markets.
