Manchester-based cyber security firm NCC Group is eyeing up acquisitions after reporting a doubling in its half-yearly profits.
In the six months to March 31st, 2025, profit before taxation grew to £16.6m from £8.4m in H1 2024.
It followed the sale in March of its Fox Crypto business for a £65.6m.
The company is investigating options for its Escode business including a potential sale and is now holding discussions with interested parties.
Cotton calls truce in Moulding row – but is the damage done?
If a transaction were to conclude it would enable the group to consider a significant return of capital to shareholders and further investment in the cyber security business.
Cyber security revenue declined 6.6 per cent and delivered an adjusted EBITDA of £11m.
Mike Maddison, chief executive officer, said: “I want to thank colleagues for their focus and efforts in transforming NCC Group into two distinct businesses. Further significant progress has been made on our strategy: we’ve completed the complex sale of our non-core Fox Crypto business and finalised the evolution of our cyber security business into four globally consistent service lines.
“Demand for cyber security services has never been clearer, reflected in strong pipeline growth particularly in solutions related to our investment areas.
“Our success is driven by a deep penetration testing expertise, a developing global delivery model including our expanding team in the Philippines and strong technology partnerships.
“We are making progress reflecting the changing market and pivoting to strategic client relationships and projects underpinned by recurring revenue, multidisciplinary capabilities and global delivery.
“Escode has now delivered 10 consecutive quarters of year-on-year revenue growth.
“With a new £120m borrowing facility and the Fox Crypto disposal complete, we are well-positioned to pursue value-enhancing acquisitions in cyber security.”
NCC Group employs 2,200 people around the world and has a market cap of £450m.