British independent carrier integrator and hosting provider MDNX Group is buying Easynet, a provider managed networking, hosting and cloud integration services.
According to the announcement late last week, MDNX and Easynet will operate under the Easynet brand and reportedly be Europe’s largest independent network and hosting integrator.
The acquisition will open up Easynet to MDNX’s blue chip customer portfolio and reputation in the UK public sector market. It will also increase Easynet’s scale and scope of operation geographically, and leverage complementary knowledge and experience under a universal carrier integration business model.
Former Easynet chief executive Greg Clarke said in a statement, “Bringing together Easynet and MDNX has created scale in skills, knowledge and operational excellence. Combining forces with Easynet enables MDNX to benefit from the Easynet brand and to develop its business outside the UK, establishing a strong footprint in Europe.” Clarke is now a non-executive chairman of the newly formed group.
The acquisition is backed by private equity firm Equistone Partners Europe, which will hold a majority stake in the newly formed company, and Lloyds Development Capitalhas reinvested to acquire a minority stake alongside MDNX management.
All countries within the Easynet Group will be part of this transaction except for Germany. Easynet’s business in Germany has been successfully operating for several years, developing its business specialising in high-end IT outsourcing solutions for enterprises.
To continue its growth further in Germany, Easynet decided it would become an independent, standalone business called Nexinto GmbH. As Nexinto, it will have greater flexibility to further develop its IT sourcing solutions, but then also partner with Easynet in global network business.