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OPTEC INC. JOINS FIRSTPOINT COMMUNICATIONS AS ANOTHER
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUBSIDIARY OF ENRON CORP.
Addition Integrates Data Capabilities with Expanding Fiber Network
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 17, 1997
PORTLAND - In a move that establishes Portland as the nexus for its global telecommunications network, Enron Corp. announced today the acquisition of OPTEC Inc. A leading provider of data communications integration and services, OPTEC will strengthen the telecommunications efforts of FirstPoint Communications (FirstPoint), already an Enron telecommunications subsidiary. FirstPoint provides, via its own facilities and alliances, high-bandwidth data, video and multi-media services, both nationally and internationally. FirstPoint's primary focus is on the wholesale carrier's carrier market and the rapidly growing high-bandwidth connectivity needs of multi-regional and multi-national companies.
"The addition of OPTEC builds an organization that enables us to meet the emerging, sophisticated needs of the data communications marketplace," said Robert Frisbee, FirstPoint senior vice president and chief operating officer. "We can offer what our customers are telling us the industry needs: high bandwidth fiber-based services combined with new network management strategies and technologies.
"The fact that we are not a local dialtone or long distance phone company gives us an unencumbered look at the network of the future," Frisbee adds. "The combination of Enron's global presence with state-of-the-industry technology that leapfrogs current carriers will allow us to connect businesses locally and globally."
FirstPoint recently announced an agreement with subsidiaries of The Williams Companies and Montana Power to build a high bandwidth, fault-tolerant fiber optic network from Portland to Los Angeles.
OPTEC's expertise in building enterprise-wide networks that interconnect local area networks (LANs) with wide area networks (WANs) works hand-in-hand with FirstPoint's strengths.
"By expanding FirstPoint's operations with a local company, Enron demonstrates its commitment to build capabilities in the Portland area," Frisbee said. "Our Portland Network Operations will monitor and manage FirstPoint's fiber optic backbone, expanding to a global network. This is the technical foundation for providing communications services for customers worldwide."
OPTEC's skilled employee base of approximately 90 engineers, technicians, sales, fulfillment and management staff will work together with FirstPoint to advance the Enron/FirstPoint telecommunications effort. Founded in 1985, Portland-based OPTEC has provided custom integration solutions to more than 400 customers, including Jet Propulsion Laboratories, Weyerhaeuser, Texaco, State of Oregon, United Airlines, DoubleTree Hotels and Boeing Corporation.
"We think our market insight and seasoned business and technical capabilities, as well as our established relationships with some of the region's largest companies, will provide FirstPoint with important strategic advantages," said Dave Bullen, OPTEC's founder and chief executive officer. "Locally based companies who do business globally will benefit."
"Our field-proven, customer-focused approach to finding technically superior solutions makes us a perfect fit for FirstPoint's direction," Bullen added. "We are very eager to join the Enron family of companies."
Along with its western long-haul fiber route, FirstPoint has completed a series of fiber rings to service the Portland market.
FirstPoint and OPTEC will maintain headquarters in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Houston, Texas and Bombay, India.
Enron Corp., based in Houston, is one of the world's largest integrated natural gas and electricity companies. Enron transports natural gas, buys and sells natural gas, natural gas liquids and electricity, manages fixed-price natural gas risk management contracts, and, explores for and produces natural gas and crude oil. Enron also develops, constructs and manages international energy infrastructure and manufactures and supplies solar and wind renewable energy worldwide. Enron completed its merger with Portland General Corporation on July 1, 1997, and now operates Portland General Electric as a wholly-owned business unit. Enron's assets are approximately $21 billion and its common stock trades under the ticker symbol, "ENE."
For additional information please contact:
FirstPoint Communications
Carol Hensley
(713) 853-6498
OPTEC Inc.
James Crowder
(503) 968-8343
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