There has been a flurry of MSP acquisition deals in the last few days. Here’s what’s happened.
Cardiff-based Leading Edge Group, a provider of BT products and services, has acquired Contrac IT, an IT managed service provider with operations in Barnsley, Durham, and Malaga, Spain.
The deal is Leading Edge’s first acquisition outside its traditional BT services focus, and supports its strategy to reach new customers and broaden its service capabilities.
The integration of Contrac IT’s operations will expand Leading Edge’s presence in England and Spain, said Leading Edge. “This acquisition is a major strategic step for Leading Edge, enabling us to diversify our portfolio and expand our reach. Utilising Contrac IT’s proven expertise and customer service will enable us to access new markets,” said Daniel Hill, CEO of Leading Edge.
Contrac IT’s managing director Mark Harding will stay on to lead the company, working with the Leading Edge Group senior leadership team.
In another deal, Flotek Group has bought Microshade Business Consultants. Established in 1984, Microshade provides secure IT services for more than 286 parish councils across the UK, and holds ISO 27001:2022 information security management certification.
Microshade operates its Cloud Remote Desktop Service at the Southwest Data Centre in Plymouth, where Flotek already maintains a regional office. Flotek will itself now provide local IT support and cybersecurity services to parish councils across the country.
Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek Group, said: "We've had the pleasure of working with the Microshade team for over three years, collaborating on various projects. During the acquisition process, Stuart Wilbur, the founder, sadly passed away. Stuart's vision was to bring advanced technology to the parish council sector, a vision we wholeheartedly share and are committed to continuing.”
He added: “We see tremendous growth potential in hosting our customers' existing server-based applications in our private data centre technology. This complements our existing Microsoft Azure technology offering, as both solutions have their unique advantages in the market."
The Microshade team is forming a new cloud infrastructure team at Flotek, continuing to deliver specialist cloud technology and using existing data centre relationships and security positions. Over the next 12 months, Microshade, a Microsoft Cloud Partner, will be fully integrated into Flotek.
David Astwood is filling the new position of head of infrastructure, and said: “We've worked with the Flotek team for a number of years on joint projects and have enjoyed collaborating on a private cloud offering. We look forward to focusing on growth across parish councils."
And, in another takeover deal, Viatel Technology Group, the Irish business technology and cybersecurity provider, has acquired Cybit Cyber’s Northern Ireland cybersecurity operations.
Based in Belfast, Cybit Cyber supports large public and private sector customers across Ireland, Scotland and the north of England. Cybit Cyber partners include Palo Alto Networks, F5 Networks, Check Point, Qualys and Fortinet.
Paul Rellis, Viatel Technology Group chief executive, said: "Cyber threats have created a compelling need for sophisticated technology partners. In response to the escalating complexity of the threat landscape, this acquisition is about more than expansion. We are fundamentally elevating our cybersecurity expertise to a new level.”
He said: “Adding this level of cybersecurity acumen to our networking experience and Microsoft expertise further establishes Viatel as the preferred technology partner for mid-market and enterprise organisations across Ireland, the UK, and internationally.”
“Becoming part of Viatel is a significant step that strategically positions us for growth in a market with a critical need of our skills and knowledge. This guarantees continued investment in our people, our partners and our highly valued customer relationships,” said Paddy Trainor, Cybit Cyber managing director.
The deal only covers Cybit’s operations run out of Belfast. The company’s other UK divisions are not included.
