LONDON -- BT and Fiat Group today announced that BT has acquired Telexis Polska, Fiat's Polish telecommunications line of business. Telexis provides services to both Fiat Group and external customers. The transaction follows the acquisition of Fiat's Italian telecommunications subsidiary, Atlanet, which was completed in February 2006. It marks an important step in the delivery of BT's global contract worth €450 million over five years to supply telecommunications services to Fiat.

The Fiat Group has extensive operations in Poland, where it employs 9,000 people and manufactures its Fiat Panda and Cinquecento models. The implementation of the global telecommunications contract in Poland will now enable Fiat to focus further on its core activities, whilst benefiting from BT's expertise in networked IT services.

Olivier Campenon, BT EMEA president, said: “I am delighted to add Fiat Group to the growing list of major organisations we are servicing in Eastern Europe. The acquisition of Telexis in Poland is an important milestone in the delivery of the global contract with Fiat and validates BT’s unique strategy that combines local and global networked IT capabilities. It enhances our investment and momentum in Poland, and further demonstrates our continuing success in winning global contracts with leading multi-national companies across the world."

The acquisition of Telexis from Fiat further strengthens BT's position in the Central and Eastern European market by consolidating the local relationship with Fiat, bringing key skills and over 100 customers. Many of these have supply chain relationships with Fiat. Telexis achieved revenues of around €3 million for the year ending 31 December 2005 and the line of business employs 27 people. BT will pay cash consideration of approximately €1.2 million.

BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)