WorldCom Inc’s Fairfax, Virginia-based UUNet Technologies Inc subsidiary has acquired the largest internet service provider in the Netherlands, marking the latest stage in the company’s aggressive push into the European marketplace. NLnet, formed in 1982, was the first commercial internet provider in the Netherlands, and claims to have built the largest part of the Dutch internet network, where it controls some 66% of the total business. The companies have not disclosed financial terms of the arrangement, which is effective immediately, but the figure is thought to be between $25 and $30m. UUNet will rename NLnet UUNet NL, and all of the company’s employees are expected to retain their positions with the current management team continuing to head the new division. UUNet’s push into Europe began with its acquisition of the Pipex division of Unipalm Ltd back in 1995 (CI No 2,769), and since then it’s been regularly picking off likely looking European service providers to expand its empire. Last week, Germany’s largest provider EUnet Germany was re-branded as UUNet Germany, and INnet, Belgium and Luxembourg’s largest, became UUNet BE at the end of July. The latest acquisition, which includes 100% of NLnet stock, will see UUNet introducing its products into the Netherlands, and at the same time evaluating those of the newly formed UUNet NL to see if they can be used in its product line throughout the rest of the world. UUNet says it’s on course to achieve its goal of becoming the leading internet player in every European market within two years.
