The deal is valued at '41 million ($52.7 million U.S.) and is expected to close within 30 days, according to Bangalore-based Wipro. Enabler, which was spun out of the IT unit of Portuguese retailer Modelo Continente SGPS in 1997, has approximately 300 workers and had revenue of about '30 million ($39 million) last year, Wipro said.

Sudip Nandy, chief strategy officer at Wipro, said the acquisition is part of the company's strategy of buying small IT services firms that specialize in niche markets. Wipro has acquired five other small companies in recent months, Nandy said.

Briefly Noted

* China Netcom Group Corp. in Beijing will sell its Asia Netcom subsidiary to Ashmore Investment Management Ltd. and Spinnaker Global Opportunity Fund Ltd. for $168.84 million U.S. China Netcom will continue to use telecommunications services provided by Asia Netcom after the acquisition, which is expected to close within 45 days.

* Oracle Corp. has named Derek Williams to the new position of chairman at its Oracle Asia-Pacific and Japan unit. Williams was previously the unit's executive vice president. In addition, Brian Mitchell was named senior vice president in charge of the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan. Mitchell had been responsible for Asia-Pacific strategy, business planning and acquisitions.