Vodafone makes two UK acquisitions

Mobile network operator bolsters consultancy and managed services capabilities with latest purchases, but claims VARs will have to wait to see benefits

Mobile network operator Vodafone has made two UK acquisitions, but claimed its channel partners will have to be patient before realising any potential benefits of the deals.

The firm has acquired Aspective, a consultancy and service provider covering mobilising enterprise applications. It has also snapped up Isis Telecommunications Management, a managed services provider.

Elaine Roberts, head of enterprise marketing at Vodafone, told CRN: "There will not be an instant impact for our resellers, but any benefits will be passed on to our VARs in time.

"It is still the early stages of these acquisitions and we will leave Aspective and Isis to continue to run as standalone businesses and see how that evolves. This strategy has worked for us in the past."

Roberts said the Aspective acquisition forms part of Vodafone's strategy to get more into the application level, while the Isis deal will boost its managed services capabilities.

"On the application side the Aspective will broaden out what we can offer and this could be complementary for our VARs. The Isis acquisition could see our resellers grow into the managed services area," she said.

Roberts added Vodafone has a strong bond with its channel and it will look to strengthen and deepen its indirect relationships in the future.