24 June 2005
	SA's Top 20 Companies 11 ALTECH Total score: 57,6 Historic score: 25,4 FM's score: 79

Altron subsidiary Altech's telecom and IT divisions are on a roll, contributing to an impressive 34% increase in revenue to R5,5bn in the year to February. Well-known brands that are firing on all cylinders include Autopage Cellular (despite a cellphone market that is showing signs of maturing), vehicle tracking company Netstar and smart-card supplier NamITech. Perhaps most exciting, though, is Altech's recent US$70m investment in Econet Wireless Global, an African telecom network operator in which it now holds a joint controlling stake. Altech CEO Craig Venter says the Econet deal is a "significant development in the future of the company". It forms part of Altech's long-term strategy of becoming a global telecom player with particular focus on Africa.