Decision Servcom Inc. to acquire Bell Atlantic service unit creating world's largest independent information technology service provider; new company will have combined annual revenues of $700+ million.

PHILADELPHIA and HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 1995-- Bell Atlantic and Decision Servcom Inc. (DSI) have signed a definitive agreement for DSI to acquire Bell Atlantic's Business Systems Services (BSS) subsidiary.

The combined operations will be the world's largest independent information technology service provider with more than $700 million of revenues, and more than 6,000 employees.

The closing of the transaction is expected to occur early in October. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bell Atlantic Business Systems Services, owned by Bell Atlantic since 1985, has grown significantly as the largest provider of enterprisewide -- mainframe to desktop -- service and support.

DSI also has grown rapidly, primarily through acquisitions, over the last three years, and is the second largest independent provider of computer services. Formerly Decision Data Services Inc., DSI has made 30 separate acquisitions, including IDEA Servcom, (SNA networks, PC warranty business) and Intelogic Trace.

The new company will continue to be a global provider of services and support for the existing customers of both organizations, as well as new customers worldwide.

Lawrence T. Babbio Jr., vice chairman for Bell Atlantic Corp., said ``Business Systems Services is a vibrant, healthy business with a prestigious customer base and impressive growth record. It can now move forward as a new independent entity well positioned to emerge as the service and support standard for the 21st century.''

Bell Atlantic continues as a significant customer of the new entity.

Current DSI President and CEO Ken Draeger will be the CEO of the yet-to-be named company. Steve Felice, currently vice president and general manager of BSS sales and operations, will lead the transition team. Other executives will be announced shortly.

``This is a huge step forward for both companies, and from an industry point of view, a very timely one,'' said Draeger. ``As computing installations become increasingly diverse, few, if any, OEMs can meet the burgeoning needs of the marketplace. This new independent service organization, with its breadth and depth of coverage will fill that need. Our mission is single-focused -- to be the broadest and best total service provider available, and the market is ready for us.

``By combining the top two independent service organizations into one premier provider of multivendor services, we will be offering new and comprehensive capabilities to a combined customer base of over 52,000 at more than 170,000 sites in the U.S. and Canada alone,'' continued Draeger.

``As companies continue to assess and concentrate themselves in their core business, they seek ways to identify and outsource many of the service functions in which we excel. This new company will have the breadth and depth of coverage that will force it to `pop up' on any company's radar screen as they scan the market for maintenance and service capabilities.''

The new company will offer the industry's most comprehensive range of information technology services, including vendor and warranty management, customer support services such as help desk management, network administration and network services. Support for more than 30,000 different products and 150 brands of software from more than 1,500 manufacturers will be supported by the merged companies. This includes the diverse computing environments of IBM, Digital Equipment Corp., EMC and Sun Microsystems and the most widely used personal computer systems from Compaq, Dell, Gateway 2000, IBM and Apple.

Bell Atlantic Corp. (NYSE:BEL) is at the forefront of the new communications, entertainment and information industry. The Philadelphia-based company provides a full array of local telecommunications services throughout the mid-Atlantic region and is one of the nation's largest cellular carriers. Bell Atlantic is a partner in national alliances that will offer wireless communications, as well as video and interactive programming. Bell Atlantic also has substantial holdings and operations in international markets and provides services for customer-based information technology.

DSI has more than 26 years of experience as a leading independent supplier of computer systems service, maintenance and supplies. A privately held company, DSI's services include extensive on-site and depot repair and maintenance for systems, networks and peripherals for a range of computer platforms. In addition, DSI provides systems installs, removals, upgrades and performance tuning as well as network implementation and technical support.

CONTACT: Bell Atlantic Business Systems Services

Mary Keifer, 610/296-2987

or

Bell Atlantic Corp.

Nancy Stark, 215/963-6777

or

Steve Albertini/Linda Barlow

Earl Palmer Brown (for DSI)

215/956-5893 or 215/956-6755