LONDON -- BT announced today that it agreed to acquire INS Group S.A. (“INS”), a Belgium-based network and systems integrator. The acquisition will strengthen BT’s operations in the Benelux and enhance BT’s position in the global LAN and IP telephony services market.

INS is headquartered in Brussels and employs over 225 professionals across Benelux, France, Germany, US, India and Australia. INS provides its clients with a range of IT services centered around corporate communication solutions. Services range from the design and implementation of complete data/voice/video infrastructures to the automated roll-out of user workstations and the management of the customer’s collaboration platforms. For the year to 31 December 2006 the company generated revenues of €27.9 million.

François Barrault, CEO, BT Global Services, said: "Today’s announcement marks the next step in our strategy to grow our global capability and market coverage in key convergence technologies, and extends BT’s leadership position in the LAN and IP telephony services market. INS is valued by its customers and recognised by the industry as a supplier of world class solutions”.

Dominic de la Peña, CEO, INS said: “BT's capabilities and experience in delivering networked IT services to corporations around the world are second to none. By contributing INS capabilities, we will be creating tremendous opportunities for our customers, employees and partners.”

The proposed acquisition is contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances. As at the last audited balance sheet on 31 December 2006, the gross assets of INS were €13.5 million.

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