Communicate Expands Reach with Blaze Networks Acquisition
Deal News | Mar 28, 2025 | FM Business Daily
Communicate, a company backed by Rockpool, has announced its acquisition of Blaze Networks, marking its fifth strategic purchase and second acquisition since securing private equity funding. The acquisition is expected to increase Communicate's turnover from £6 million at the time of Rockpool's investment in June 2024 to a projected £17 million in 2025. Blaze Networks, based in Macclesfield and led by Managing Director Ben Brassington, will continue to operate independently while significantly contributing to Communicate's service offerings in SD-WAN and advanced networking solutions. The transaction was backed by additional funding from Rockpool, with investment director Tom Coey and investment manager Toby Hurdle steering the transaction.
Sectors
- Information Technology
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – The companies involved are based in the UK, and the acquisition reflects market activities within the country.
Industry
- Information Technology – The acquisition involves companies specializing in cybersecurity, IT network solutions, and managed services, emphasizing technological innovation and IT infrastructure.
- Private Equity – Rockpool's involvement in funding and facilitating the acquisition highlights the role of private equity in strategic business growth and investment.
Financials
- £6 million – Communicate's turnover at the time of Rockpool's investment in June 2024.
- £17 million – Communicate's projected turnover in 2025 following the acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communicate | Acquirer | Company | A provider of cybersecurity and IT network solutions backed by Rockpool. |
| Blaze Networks | Target Company | Company | A security-focused managed service provider with deep expertise in SD-WAN and advanced networking solutions. |
| Rockpool | Private Equity Firm | Company | The private equity firm that backed Communicate and provided additional funding for the acquisition. |
| Ben Brassington | Managing Director | People | The managing director of Blaze Networks, continuing to lead the company post-acquisition. |
| Tony Snaith | CEO | People | The CEO of Communicate Technology, overseeing the acquisition of Blaze Networks. |
| Tom Coey | Investment Director | People | An investment director at Rockpool, leading the transaction. |
| Toby Hurdle | Investment Manager | People | An investment manager at Rockpool, involved in leading the transaction. |