KPN is buying a 51% majority stake in Talk &Vision, a fast-growing specialist in videoconferencing. Talk & Vision will be merged with the videoconferencing operations of Getronics and KPN. The acquisition creates a company offering videoconferencing services worldwide, with a strong position in Europe and a leading position in the Benelux.

Talk & Vision offers support and maintenance and provides video communications equipment to multinationals, small and medium-sized companies and various industries such as health care and government. The company has a number of sales offices in the Benelux, Germany and Great Britain and offers its customers worldwide support.

In 2008 Talk & Vision's sales amounted to EUR 13 million. Financial details of the acquisition will not be disclosed. KPN will increase its stake in Talk & Vision to 100% in 2012.

The videoconferencing market is growing fast. Talk & Vision, KPN and Getronics all posted sales growth of some 35% in 2008 in this field. Videoconferencing provides businesses with the chance to cut travel and accommodation costs and so increase labor force productivity. Videoconferencing can also help cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

The acquisition of Talk & Vision fits in well with the New Way of Working, a concept that both KPN and Getronics offer their customers. The New Way of Working is also a major pillar of the sustainability policy pursued by both KPN and Getronics.

"The economic crisis has shown that people must work more efficiently and that this is possible. This fits in well with our New Way of Working concept and offers our business customers the option of cutting costs," says KPN Management Board member Eelco Blok.

Talk & Vision's operations are being transferred to Getronics Information & Communication Solutions. As part of KPN, Getronics provides IT and Telecommunications services to the Top 500 of wholesale clients.