Wipro to Divest Hosted Data Center Services Business to Ensono for USD 405 Million

Share

Bangalore, India and Chicago, USA – March 14, 2018 — Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company has signed a definitive agreement to divest Wipro’s hosted data center services business to Ensono, a leading hybrid IT services provider for USD 405 million. Wipro will unlock value by transitioning eight data centers, and over 900 employees of its hosted data center services business to Ensono. The acquisition significantly expands Ensono’s geographic footprint and global service capabilities, taking the company one step closer to achieving its vision of helping clients harness the power of hybrid IT to transform their businesses on a global scale. 

Wipro and Ensono have also signed a long-term partnership agreement to jointly address the hybrid IT requirements of Wipro’s new and existing enterprise customers. As part of the agreement, Wipro will make a strategic investment of USD 55 million in Ensono.

Wipro has been providing comprehensive IT management solutions for large and mid-size enterprises for over 25 years, and operates world-class data centers, globally. The company has expertise across multiple computing environments and platforms, including mainframes, iSeries, Unix, Windows and Linux servers, and offers an array of delivery models ranging from customized solutions delivered in Wipro’s data centers to remote management and cloud computing.

Hosted Datacenter services business is one of the three businesses that became a part of Wipro when it acquired Infocrossing Inc in 2007. The other two businesses — Medicare & Medicaid services in the health insurance space and ERP implementation services — have been integrated with other Wipro businesses and are not part of this divestment.

“As we embrace our strategy of focusing on newer digital areas of spend, our strategic investment and partnership with Ensono will enable us to remain committed to meeting the hosted data center services requirements of our customers. This partnership will enhance the global data center footprint and expand the available talent pool which will give us economies of scale and allow us to offer end-to-end capabilities in the infrastructure space, better than ever before,” said Kiran Desai, Senior Vice President, Global Infrastructure Services, Wipro Limited.

Ensono provides hybrid IT services, from cloud to mainframe, that enable clients to digitally transform their business. Through the acquisition, Ensono is doubling in size, diversifying its client portfolio and increasing its annualized revenue to be in excess of USD 550 million.  Beyond a growing geographic footprint and data center presence, Ensono will manage over 260K MIPS and over 30K hosted servers.  Whether clients are leveraging the power of the cloud or modernizing legacy technologies, Ensono helps clients manage complex IT requirements, globally and across industries.

“This is the third acquisition in less than three years for Ensono. This particular acquisition and partnership with Wipro substantially increases our ability to scale and service our growing client portfolio. We are increasing our geographic presence by expanding our data center operations in Germany, U.K. and the U.S., as well as establishing an operational presence in India,” said Jeff VonDeylen, CEO, Ensono. “These are strategic moves that bring us one step closer to our vision of being a recognized leader in true hybrid IT and a relentless ally to our clients.” 

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the quarter ending June 2018. Ensono is a portfolio company of Charlesbank Capital Partners and M/C Partners. Jefferies LLC acted as an exclusive financial advisor to Ensono for this transaction, and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as the sole financial advisor to Wipro. Goodwin Procter LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisors to Ensono, and Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP (for the US), and DLA Piper (for Europe) were legal advisors to Wipro on this transaction. 

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 160,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. 

About Ensono

For business leaders managing lots of complexity or disrupting the status quo, Ensono delivers complete Hybrid IT services, from cloud to mainframe, tailored to each client’s journey. Whether you’re leveraging the power of the cloud or modernizing legacy technologies, you’ll be on track to operate for today and optimize for tomorrow. Named a Top 15 Sourcing Service Provider by ISG, some of the world’s most successful companies rely on us to help them be great at what they do. Ensono has over 1,000 associates across North America and Europe and is ranked 21st in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our offices are headquartered in greater Chicago. 

For media inquiries, please contact Beth Burghgraef at: beth.burghgraef@ensono.com.

View source version here: https://www.ensono.com/about-us/press-room/ensono-wipro

Zack Halpryn

Zack Halpryn is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. Prior to joining MC, Zack worked at HarbourVest Partners, where he was focused on buyout and growth equity investments. Previously he worked at Performance Equity Management and Credit Suisse. Zack received a B.B.A in Finance (summa cum laude) from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He currently lives in Boston’s West End and in his spare time enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), reading and watching the Celtics.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

AccessParks
Ascend Technologies
Carbon60
Denovo
TowerCom

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

celito

Established in 1999 and based in Raleigh, is a trusted, local communications and managed services provider to businesses leveraging its fully owned fiber network. celito creates technology solutions for businesses across all sectors both large and small. From supplying high-speed Internet service, to providing quality VoIP telecom service, to setting up your office network, they offer turnkey solutions from the desktop to the cloud

 

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

Jason P. Stutman

Jason Stutman is a Senior Fund Accountant at M/C Partners, responsible for the cash management of co-investment vehicles, preparing quarterly financial statements, and communication with Limited Partners. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Jason worked in the Portfolio Analytics Group at HarbourVest Partners. He earned a BSBA with honors in Finance with a minor in Computer Information Science from The Ohio State University. Jason lives in South Boston and enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams, playing hockey and golf and traveling.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

Cuba Burch Berner

Cuba Burch Berner is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology services. Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cuba was an Equity Research Associate at Citi covering infrastructure companies within the telecommunications industry, including data centers and wireless towers. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago. Cuba currently lives in Boston’s West End and enjoys  a myriad of outdoor activities including running, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Joined

2022

Contact

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Ascend Technologies
Consortium Networks
C3 Integrated Solutions
SoniqWave

 

AccentHealth

AccentHealth operates an out-of-home advertising network that reaches over 12,000 physician office waiting areas in the U.S. – JOHN WATKINS

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

IT SERVICES

James F. Wade

Jim Wade co-founded M/C Partners in 1986 with Dave Croll. He has been investing in communications and technology services since the advent of wireless and broadband, cornerstones of the firm’s sector focus. As Chairman, he manages the firm’s investment process, and continuously seeks out management teams, company prospects and financial resources to grow the portfolio. Jim’s successful track record includes MetroPCS (IPO), Lightower Holdings (acquired by Berkshire Partners), Cavalier Telephone (acquired by PAETEC), NuVox Communications (acquired by WindStream), Attenda (acquired by Darwin Private Equity), Melita (acquired by Apax Partners), PR Wireless (joint venture with Sprint affiliate in Puerto Rico), Thrive Networks (acquired/recapitalized by Court Square) and Involta (acquired by Carlyle Group). Today he serves as a director on the Board of Connectivity Wireless and has responsibility for Omega Wireless. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame a B.B.A in Finance and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives outside Boston with his wife and four children. Jim was an avid boater and is now an average golfer.

JOINED

1986

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS
Connectivity Wireless

 

Abhishek Rampuria

Abhishek (A.B.) is a Partner at M/C Partners, where he leads origination, deal diligence and portfolio company support for investments in a variety of communications and technology services segments. He currently serves on the Board of Ascend Technologies, Connectivity Wireless, Edafio Technology Partners, TowerCom and serves as a Board Observer for Thrive Networks. A.B. previously served as a Board Observer for Ensono (acquired by KKR) and QOS Networks (acquired by Zayo). Prior to joining M/C Partners in 2015, A.B. worked at Altman Solon (formerly Altman Vilandrie), a technology, media & telecommunications focused strategy consulting firm, where he completed projects for both operating companies and private equity investors. A.B. received a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Boston’s South End and outside of work, enjoys skiing, cycling, traveling and cheering on his home-town Patriots and Celtics.

Joined

2015

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Thrive Networks

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

Ascend Technologies
Connectivity Wireless
Edafio Technology Partners
TowerCom