TalkTalk Business and IT services provider ARO have agreed to merge, creating an independent connectivity and managed technology services company with £200m in annual revenues.
The combined group will employ approximately 650 staff and support a collective customer base of more than 70,000 businesses and public sector organisations across the UK.
The deal pairs TalkTalk Business’s established national connectivity and data networking infrastructure with London-headquartered ARO’s expertise in managed IT, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
The move marks another step in TalkTalk Business’s transition toward full-service managed IT operations following its demerger into a standalone operating unit from TalkTalk Group, as well as its recent takeover of Oxfordshire-based IT provider Planet IT.
Both businesses will continue operating under their existing respective brands and from their current offices in the immediate term to ensure operational continuity for clients and staff during the integration.
“This is a defining moment for both ARO and TalkTalk Business. Together, we are creating a business with the scale, expertise and ambition to become a leading independent provider of connectivity and managed technology services in the UK,” said Ciaran Rafferty, chief executive of ARO.
“By bringing together our complementary strengths, we are creating a stronger partner with broader capabilities, deeper expertise and greater capacity to invest in innovation, service delivery and long-term customer success.”
The merger is subject to regulatory clearance under the UK’s National Security and Investment (NSI) Act, with the review process expected to conclude by late summer.
“This merger represents another important step in our transformation into a leading managed services provider and brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading independent technology partner for UK organisations,” said Ruth Kennedy, chief executive of TalkTalk Business.
“The market is evolving rapidly, with organisations increasingly seeking technology partners that can combine strategic expertise, operational excellence and broad service capabilities at scale.”
