Unisys picks up security and identity management business

Unisys Corp. is buying ePresence Inc.'s security and identity management services business for $11.5 million in cash, Unisys announced today.

Through the acquisition, Unisys of Blue Bell, Pa., is picking up consulting experience in the design and implementation of enterprise directory and security solutions for identity management.

The acquisition also will bring Unisys a wide range of new security clients in both the public and private sectors, the company said.

Shares in ePresence, which is publicly traded on NASDAQ, closed at $3.80 Oct. 22. The shares had a 52-week high of $6.15 and low of $1.60. The company is based in Westboro, Mass.

At the same time, ePresence announced today that its board of directors has approved a plan to liquidate the company. A majority of the company's employees are expected to become part of Unisys, ePresence said.

Janet Wallace, president, Unisys' Global Infrastructure Services and the company's lead executive for security solutions, said the combination of ePresence's expertise and strong client relationships and Unisys' resources and experience in identity management will enhance Unisys' security offerings.

"This strategic acquisition furthers Unisys' drive to become the premier provider of enterprise security solutions while positioning us for market leadership in identity management," she said.

ePresence has about 160 employees and annual sales of $43.8 million. Unisys has more than 37,200 employees and annual sales of $5.6 billion. The company was ranked No. 20 in the Washington Technology 2003 Top 100 list.