Capita grabs security testing ace

Takeover of Westpoint continues M&A activity that saw Trustmarque acquired for £57m

Capita has acquired security testing specialist Westpoint in a move which it claims enhances its position in the cybersecurity sector.

The deal follows Capita's takeover of Trustmarque for £57m in June, and the acquisition of networking player Electranet last year.

On its website Westpoint claims to offer "class-leading" blended vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and social media testing services.

Lesley Bosworth, managing director of Capita IT Professional Services, said: "This acquisition provides Capita with capabilities and expertise that complement our existing position in the market.

"Westpoint will strengthen our provision of specialist testing services and help us deliver ever more innovative cybersecurity solutions for our clients."

Capita claims the deal will allow Westpoint, which works with customers in sectors including local government and telecoms, to service a wider range of clients.

Mike Williams, director at Westpoint, added: "Capita has a reputation as an experienced, trusted provider of IT services and has the scale and expertise to help us expand and develop our offerings. We look forward to working together to deliver the best possible security testing services to our clients."