BERN, Switzerland -- Swisscom Fixnet Ltd will take over the Internet service provider Cybernet (Schweiz) AG from the Viatel Group. The move will strengthen the position of the leading Swiss telecommunications company as an Internet provider in the SME market. The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the acquisition price. The 100 per cent takeover remains subject to the approval of the Competition Commission.

All those involved in the fast-growing Internet Services market – customers, partners, Swisscom Fixnet Ltd and Cybernet (Schweiz) AG – stand to benefit from the acquisition. Cybernet will strengthen the development of Swisscom Fixnet's position on the SME market for connectivity and data products. The customers and business partners of Cybernet will be able to take advantage of the complementary product portfolio.

Strong position in SME market – complementary benefit for Swisscom Fixnet

Cybernet (Schweiz) AG employs 34 staff and focuses its activities on the SME market; its core business covers connectivity, data centers and e-business. The company has more than 20,000 – mainly corporate – customers, and works together with around 700 IT partners in the SME market. Cybernet's headquarters are in Zurich, and the company also has branches in Berne and Lugano. In 2004 the company reported revenues of CHF 18.4 million. René M. Waser, CEO of Cybernet (Schweiz) AG, will continue to head the business activities of Cybernet and will actively contribute to the future SME strategy at Swisscom Fixnet.

Swisscom AG