'We're both at the top of our game': FourNet acquires Nowcomm

Avaya partner FourNet continues buy and build as it snaps up Cisco partner

Two of Avaya and Cisco's respective UK partners, FourNet and Nowcomm, have joined forces, with the latter's co-founder claiming the duo are "both at the top of our game".

With 2022 revenues of £37m, Manchester-based FourNet styles itself as Avaya's largest UK partner.

FourNet this morning announced that it has snapped up Derby-based Nowcomm - one of only a small handful of Cisco partners to simultaneously hold Gold, Master Security and Master Collaboration status in the UK.

The deal follows on from FourNet's acquisition of C>Ways last May and forms part of a wider buy-and-build strategy under new private equity backer Palatine.

With satellite offices in Burton-on-Trent, Scarborough and London, FourNet counts Whitehall departments, local authorities, housing, health, blue-light and utility companies among its customer logos.

Founded in 2005 by two Cisco employees James Baly and Mark Lamont, Nowcomm has 34 staff.

The deal will push FourNet's headcount above 200.

Baly dubbed it 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," he said.

FourNet co-founder and CEO Richard Pennington, added: "With the post-covid convergence of the IT and communications marketplace and the increasing pace of digital transformation, it also provides Nowcomm with access to a broader spectrum of solutions and customers.

"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."