In what some industry pundits claim was ‘a when, not if’ situation, iiNet has purchased competitor Internode prior to Christmas.

iiNet’s buying spree over the past 18 months strengthens its position in the market as the number two DSL provider in Australia as they grow their broadband base in the lead-up to the full scale roll-out of the NBN.

Like iiNet’s acquisitions in the past, it is difficult to believe that Internode will continue to run as a separate business forever, as there are some strong synergies between the companies who have focused on high service and quality levels with its customers. Simon Hackett will remain as CEO of Internode and noted that Internode will continue to run as a separate entity.

iiNet’s acquisition of Internode follows the purchase of TransACT, a predominately Canberra based service provider which was finalised in November 2011.