M Group to acquire Telent as growth lifts revenue to GBP £3bn

M Group has agreed to acquire Telent, a provider of operational technology and digital solutions for national infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.

The addition of Telent is expected to bolster M Group's capability to address the demands of ageing infrastructure by merging its existing infrastructure service portfolio with Telent's expertise in technology and digital solutions.

Telent operates in areas such as mission-critical communications, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity services. The company's integration will enhance M Group's capacity to offer integrated services across key sectors, including telecom, transport, water, and energy.

The reach of M Group is also set to expand into adjacent sectors such as the public sector, defence, emergency services, and education with this transaction.

M Group highlighted the strengthening of relationships with joint customers following the acquisition, noting shared clients such as Transport for London (TfL), National Highways, Network Rail, Virgin Media O2, BT, EE and Openreach.

Andrew Findlay, Chief Executive of M Group, said, "This is a hugely transformative deal for M Group and I am delighted Telent is joining us."

"We recognise the strength of Telent's differentiated capabilities, market position and talented people that make it a great business. With the acquisition of Telent, M Group will be even better placed to deliver essential infrastructure services for life."

"Our ambitious growth strategy reflects a combination of organic and inorganic growth and this acquisition builds on our strong track record of strategic M&A. It will enable us to deliver even greater value and expertise to our clients and so help the people, communities and economies of the UK and Ireland adapt to a changing world."

Jo Gretton, Chief Executive of Telent, added, "Joining M Group marks an exciting new chapter for Telent, reinforcing our leading position in network and technology solutions."

"Telent is a business with a long trading heritage and an excellent reputation. With M Group's extensive infrastructure expertise and scale, we are well placed to accelerate our growth and continue to be a trusted partner for organisations at the forefront of the digital revolution."

Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner and Co-Head of the UK team at CVC, commented on the acquisition: "Since CVC acquired M Group last year, the business has taken major strides forward in the delivery of its ambitious strategy to strengthen its capabilities and enhance its solutions offering for clients.

"This latest acquisition transforms M Group's digital and technology capabilities and accelerates its growth momentum, taking pro forma revenue to over GBP £3 billion."

Telent has a long-standing presence in the UK and Ireland, providing services in the design, construction, support and management of critical digital infrastructure. Its client roster includes Transport for London, National Highways, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Ambulance Radio Programme.

M Group operates across the water, energy, rail, aviation, highways and telecom sectors, and employs over 11,000 people at more than 200 locations in the UK and Ireland.