Communicate acquires York Data Services in strategic expansion

Communicate, a leading provider of cybersecurity and network infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of York Data Services, marking the company’s fourth acquisition and first since partnering with private equity investor Rockpool Investments in June 2024.

This strategic move is part of Communicate’s ongoing buy-and-build strategy to expand its service offering and network coverage. The acquisition of York Data Services is highly complementary, significantly increasing the group’s network coverage across Northern England and London.

The acquisition will allow Communicate to enhance its service capabilities and offer a wider range of IT support and cyber security services to York Data Services’ existing customer base.

Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate, commented, “we are extremely excited about the integration of York Data Services and their talented team, their underlying network infrastructure and fantastic customer base. This really strengthens and supports Communicate’s extensive growth plans and it became immediately apparent that both businesses had a complimentary service portfolio and were an excellent cultural fit. We look forward to further developing and nurturing long term relationships with both the team and customers over the coming months.”

Mark Fordyce, Founder of York Data Services, stated, “York Data Services is extremely proud of its reputation for customer care, passion and transparency, built up over twenty years. Communicate not only share those values and company culture, but gives the opportunity to build on that reputation by investing in our team and our key services of connectivity, telecoms and managed solutions. We look forward to working with the team at Communicate to grow the York Data Services customer base across the region and the UK.”

This acquisition underscores Communicate’s strong intent to expand its footprint in the IT and cyber services sector, supported by the strategic partnership with Rockpool Investments. For more information, please contact Tom Coey (Investment Director) and Toby Hurdle (Investment Manager) from Rockpool Investments.

Advisors

Communicate was advised by Roxburgh Milkins on legal matters and AAB Corporate Finance on financial and tax aspects. York Data Services received advisory support from Knight Corporate Finance for M&A and Andrew Jackson Solicitors for legal counsel.

About Communicate

Founded in 2011, Communicate operates its own fibre network infrastructure and provides comprehensive cyber security and IT managed services. With a dedicated Network Operations Centre in Teesside and a 24/7/365 Security Operations Centre in Leeds, Communicate is committed to delivering high-quality services to its clients.

About York Data Services

Founded in 2003, York Data Services is a leader in business connectivity, hosted telecoms and managed solutions for businesses across Yorkshire and the UK. An internet service provider (ISP) operating their own private fully resilient fibre network under AS43013, between York, Leeds and London. Helping customers develop the digital infrastructure they need to adapt and grow, creating capability and capacity for the future.

About Rockpool Investments

Rockpool Investments is a private equity firm dedicated to creating opportunities for high-net-worth individuals and family offices to invest in private companies. Rockpool provides equity and loan capital of between £5m to £15m to profitable UK-based companies and has invested over £675m since inception.