Managed cloud provider Novosco has acquired specialist IT security solutions and managed services expert NetDef for a seven-figure sum.
Novosco has offices in Belfast, Manchester, Dublin and Cork and the deal will see the firm increase its workforce to 140.
Cheshire-based NetDef counts a number of metropolitan police forces, NHS trusts and financial services organisations amongst its client base, in addition to two Premier League football clubs. Its other customers include businesses such as Warburtons and Village Hotels.
The acquisition of NetDef, which will continue to trade under its existing name, is intended to help accelerate Novosco’s rapid expansion in the English market in particular.
Novosco managing director Patrick McAliskey, said: “NetDef is a well-established provider of network and security solutions to some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations, and its expertise and competence have seen it entrusted with data and projects of the utmost public sensitivity. Working with Dave Beesley and his expert team will provide Novosco with added scale, and an important new dimension to our service offering as we seek to further grow our business across the UK and Ireland.”
NetDef managing director Dave Beesley, said: “Novosco is a business that we have long admired, and we felt that there was a very strong cultural alignment between the two companies. The complementary expertise that we have will allow us to further enhance and deepen the services that we offer to existing and new clients. We very much look forward to working with Patrick, John and their team.”
Founded by Dave Beesley in 1996, NetDef employs 20 people and has an annual turnover of more than £4m. It has a purpose-built headquarters in Cheshire, with state-of-the-art customer facilities.
Novosco, founded by Patrick McAliskey and John Lennon, was recently ranked as one of the UK’s top companies to work for by the Sunday Times Best Companies for the fourth year in a row. It has been ranked as one of the island of Ireland’s fastest growing technology businesses by Deloitte for an unprecedented 16th year in succession.