IT specialist announces two new acquisitions in ambitious growth plans
IT specialist Air IT has announced its seventh and eighth acquisitions.
Chief executive John Whitty said the Sandiacre business had bought Reading-based MFG UK and Uttoxeter-based Infinity IT Solutions for undisclosed sums.
The additions are part of ambitious plans to expand the business across the UK.
It marks the fourth time Air IT – which provides managed IT and communication services including cyber security, business continuity, and cloud services to SMEs – has acquired two businesses simultaneously.
The first double deal was last October, the second was in December and the third was in March.
As a result, Air IT has increased its headcount to 270 staff and boosted its existing presence in the South East and the Midlands. The business has been backed by August Equity since January 2020.
Mr Whitty said the new additions have seen impressive year-on-year growth and built strong reputations.
He said: “We are thrilled to have found two more outstanding teams to join the Air IT Group, which has allowed us to further expand our footprint and introduce skilful, likeminded colleagues to the team.
“Both MFG and Infinity are very similar to us in terms of their service maturity, product set, client type and, most importantly, culture – we are confident that they will be a great fit for Air IT and look forward to the contribution we know they will add.
“Our aim is to be the go-to MSP and MSSP [managed service and security service provider] for SMEs across the UK, delivering a local service on a national scale, and welcoming exceptional talent to the group will help us achieve this.”
Mark Flinders, managing director at MFG, said: “At MFG, we have admired Air IT and followed their journey with close interest over the years. As a company, they have great people and values which in turn delivers a great service, currently ranked in the top 3 MSPs in the UK. “Joining with the Air IT Group helps us in several ways. Our management team can grow further, our people will have more support and opportunities to extend their skills and experience, and our clients will benefit from the ever-growing services and technologies that form part of the new digital way of working.
“The team are excited to be part of the Air IT Group and looking forward to working closely with the other regions to make the group the best in the UK.”
Simon McAlpine, chief commercial officer at Infinity, said: “Air IT is relatively local to us in the Midlands so joining the group is an exciting step in our journey and we can’t wait to see what it brings.
“Our range of IT, security and communications solutions is very similar to those delivered by Air IT and we can now further expand these services with a deeper level of experience.
“We’re excited to build upon what we have been creating for the past 12 years and look forward to meeting new colleagues who share our commitment to the excellent customer service that has helped to shape Infinity.”
Air IT was founded in 2005 and in January 2020, August Equity LLP invested in the business and appointed industry veteran Ian Brown as chairman, and serial buyand-build leader John Whitty as chief executive.
It has more than 1,250 SME clients across a range of sectors, and was recently named business of the year by the East Midlands Chamber following sustained growth over the last 15 years.