Manchester headquartered digital transformation and customer experience expert, FourNet, has acquired cybersecurity, network infrastructure and collaboration specialists Nowcomm.
Derby-based Nowcomm is one of only two Cisco Gold, Master Security and Master Collaboration accredited partners in the UK.
The acquisition is is the third in three years for FourNet as the business pursues a high-growth, best-in-class acquisition strategy and significantly enhances FourNet’s cybersecurity and network infrastructure offering to customers.
Nowcomm was founded 18 years ago by Cisco employees Mark Lamont and James Baly who saw a gap in the market for a consultative-led Cisco business, focused on engineering and technology.
Nowcomm now has 34 highly accredited employees, and the purchase of the firm will bring FourNet’s employee headcount to over 200.
Richard Pennington, co-founder and CEO of FourNet, said: “As one of the leading Cisco partners in the UK [Nowcomm] bring with them a wealth of specialist skills and expertise which will enable us to provide a significantly enhanced cybersecurity, networking and collaboration offering to our customers – from central government to blue light and other critical services.
“Today’s strategic acquisition, and the ones to follow, will enable us to maintain our position as the partner of choice for public sector and enterprise customers.”
James Baly, Nowcomm co-founder and director for front office, added: “This is a merging of like-minded businesses. Our companies are both at the top of their game and have a very similar culture and outlook – customers first, high customer retention, technology and engineering innovation, and best-in-class expertise.”
Last year, FourNet acquired infrastructure and security firm C>Ways, and in 2021 it bought ComputerTel.
James Painter, senior investment director at Palatine, which took a majority stake in FourNet in 2021 said: “Adding capability through strategic M&A is a key part of FourNet’s growth strategy with Nowcomm representing the second acquisition since our initial investment. This acquisition will enable FourNet to expand its offering to customers and we are keen to support the group in making additional acquisitions in the future.”
Fast-growing FourNet has offices in Manchester, Burton-on-Trent, Scarborough and London. Its customers include the UK Prime Minister’s Office, several Whitehall departments, local authorities, housing, health, blue-light and utility companies.
