10 01732 759725 RESELLER NEWS It redefines what organisations should expect from an MSP in the AI era.” Integris says the fundamental difference between CORE and a traditional managed services model is that CORE treats technology as a lever for operational performance, not simply as a cost required to keep systems running. https://integrisit.com/services/core/ … Redsquid acquires Spalding-based ARK ICT Redsquid, the fast-growing, B Corp-certified managed technology and cybersecurity provider, is adding education sector expertise and an established East Midlands presence to its growing capabilities, with the acquisition of ARK ICT, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Established in 2001, ARK ICT provides managed IT support, hardware, software, installations, training and consultancy to hundreds of schools and businesses across the East Midlands area. Approximately 80% of ARK ICT’s customers operate within the education sector, bringing valuable sector expertise to the Redsquid group, along with an established regional SME customer base. ARK ICT customers will continue to be supported by the same local team while gaining access to Redsquid’s wider capabilities, including AI enablement and transformation; cybersecurity backed by a 24/7 Security Operations Centre; cloud services; connectivity; and workplace technology. Sohin Raithatha, CEO and Co-founder of Redsquid, said: “ARK ICT has built an exceptional reputation across the education and SME markets. Its commitment to customer success, strong regional presence and highly experienced team make it a natural fit for Redsquid. “This acquisition considerably strengthens our education proposition while broadening our reach within the SME market. Most importantly, it brings together talented people who share our ambition to build the UK’s most trusted and loved technology partner.” … Bechtle moves to bigger London office Bechtle UK has moved into new London premises at Angel Square, a state-of-the-art office building in Islington. A few minutes’ walk from the company’s previous office, the new location provides 11,606 The acquisition of Six Degrees gives Claranet, which currently provides cloud, cybersecurity, data, AI, networks and workplace solutions, additional UK expertise in secure cloud, hybrid infrastructure, cybersecurity and modern workplace services. Six Degrees CEO Vince DeLuca said: “The acquisition reflects continued demand from organisations looking for trusted managed service partners that can simplify complex technology environments, improve resilience, strengthen cyber security and support cloud transformation. Claranet’s enlarged UK business will continue to help customers modernise and protect their organisations through secure, scalable and highperformance IT services.” www.claranet.com … AI to the core Global managed AI and IT services provider Integris has launched a new managed service that it describes as ‘the complete managed services package for the era of artificial intelligence.’ Designed to help organisations move from experimenting with AI to using it safely and consistently in their everyday work, CORE brings AI, automation, data governance and cybersecurity into a single managed service, with Integris providing the platform, guardrails, training and ongoing support to help teams identify practical use cases and create measurable business outcomes. Integris CEO Rashaad Bajwa said: “As AI has evolved from hype to reality, we’ve seen a pivotal shift in what organisations expect from their technology partners. CORE closes the gap between what modern businesses need and what traditional managed services were built to deliver. Project X acquires Sapphire Computer Systems Essex-based IT support specialist Sapphire Computer Systems has been acquired by Project X Holdings, currently embarking on a ‘buy and build’ strategy to acquire, invest in and scale IT managed services businesses. Incorporated in January 2025, Project X Holdings is led by Directors Simon Newton, who was Group CFO of inTEC from November 2016 to June 2023, and Ciaran Kenny, who was Director of Macnamara ICT from June 2003 to December 2025. On its website, Project X says it is looking to acquire IT services businesses with adjusted EBITDA of between £350k and £1m and a minimum of 60% recurring revenue and help them reach their potential by providing centralised expertise and support across HR, finance, legal and marketing, as well as opportunities to collaborate with complementary businesses within the group. Sapphire Computer Systems, founded in 1992 and based in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, provides a range of IT system management, connectivity, support and consultation services to business in the South-East of England. Sapphire Computer Systems was advised by KBS Corporate. … Six Degrees acquired by Claranet At the end of June, global technology services provider Claranet boosted its UK presence and expanded its services offering with the acquisition of complementary IT services provider Six Degrees. Operating under the Claranet brand, the enlarged business will have 3,500 staff and revenues of more than €650m. continued... TalkTalk Business to merge with ARO TalkTalk Business has announced plans to merge with UK technology services provider ARO and create one of the UK’s largest independent connectivity and managed technology services groups. The merger, subject to final approval under the National Security Investment Act, is expected to conclude by the end of the summer, creating a group with a combined headcount of 650 employees, annual revenues of around £200 million and a customer base of more than 70,000 organisations. Bringing together ARO’s strengths in cloud, cyber security and managed IT services with TalkTalk Business’s in connectivity, networking and communications will enable the new group to offer a broader end-to-end proposition and be a single trusted technology partner for customers. It will also give it the scale, expertise and resources to accelerate investment in technology, service delivery and innovation. Ruth Kennedy, CEO of TalkTalk Business, said: “The market is evolving rapidly, with organisations increasingly seeking technology partners that can combine strategic expertise, operational excellence and broad service capabilities at scale. This combination creates a business that is uniquely positioned to meet those expectations and support customers across every stage of their technology journey.” For TalkTalk Business, the merger with ARO marks another milestone in its evolution into a managed technology services provider following its final separation from TalkTalk Group in February and its acquisition of IT and cybersecurity specialist Planet IT in March. ARO, previously Arrow Business Communications, acquired a number of service providers following investment by MML in January 2020, including UK-tec Ltd, Complete Networks, Click Networks, Altinet and BTL Communications. For the time being, both companies will continue to operate under their existing brands to ensure continuity for customers, employees and partners. Ruth Kennedy
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