in brief Unisys West, a joint IT services venture between Unisys and BankWest, today sailed into uncertain waters with allegations the West Australian bank was being circled by potential acquirers.
Unisys West was set up a number of years ago by the pair as part of BankWest's technology outsourcing deal with Unisys. Although the joint venture primarily provides BankWest's IT needs, its website also lists customers such as the Western Australian Departments of Child Protection and Education and Training.
The two parent companies have for some time been planning to shut Unisys West down, with BankWest due to take IT services back in-house, although a date for the closure has not yet been set.
However, Fairfax newspapers reported this morning that Commonwealth Bank of Australia had made an offer for BankWest. Although CBA subsequently denied the report, any acquisition of BankWest would also give the combined company part ownership of the joint venture.
A Unisys spokesperson declined to comment directly on the issue.
