FluidOne continues M&A spree
Network specialist adds cybersecurity to its offerings with the addition of Cyber Security Associates
Former Rigby Group-owned FluidOne has continued its growth with an investment in Cyber Security Associates (CSA).
The acquisition marks the second so far for FluidOne, which also acquired PSU Business Technology last October. It was sold by the Rigby Group to private equity firm Livingbridge two years ago and promised to scale up its business using a "war chest" provided by its new owners.
CSA was founded in 2013 by David Woodfine and James Griffiths and has had the Ministry of Defence and the Bank of England among its customers.
"When I met David and James I was immediately impressed, they have exceptional cyber experience and their consultancy and managed service toolsets strongly fits with our strategy," stated Russell Horton, FluidOne CEO.
"Their military background, ongoing government clearance and the way that they have applied this experience over the past seven years to build their business gives them a stand out point of difference as a trusted cybersecurity service provider to businesses of all sizes.
"With the FluidOne board, I saw a great opportunity to invest in CSA to add a high-quality cybersecurity specialist to the group as a sister company that we can introduce to the benefit of FluidOne customers and channel partners."
CSA's capabilities will work towards FluidOne's goal of becoming the "best quality" connected cloud solutions provider in the UK. The addition of CSA will bring complementary security tools to its Connected Cloud Solutions portfolio, the network specialist added.
CSA will continue to be led by Woodfine and Griffiths and will operate as an independent entity.
"James and I identified a gap in the market for providing a true end-to-end cybersecurity managed service offering, which has the best threat intelligence, combined with consultancy, training and assessments to educate businesses of all sizes on the evolving cyber threat," said CSA MD Woodfine.
"This development has started gaining real traction, and we were at the point where we were seeking a strategic partner to invest in the business and support us in the next stage of our growth.
"Meeting the executive team at FluidOne, I could see a fit for our cybersecurity services in their Connected Cloud Solutions strategy as well as an alignment in both values and culture. This is a very exciting time for CSA, and I very much look forward to working with Russell and the rest of the FluidOne team."