Telstra buys UK-based Company85 for expansion into Europe

Telstra has acquired Company85, a UK-based technology services business, to build on its international business expansion strategy.

Company85, which provides data centre, workspace, cloud, security and network services, is expected to enhance Telstra’s service offering for UK and Europe-based business and government customers.

Following the acquisition, the company’s 75 employees, UK-based and international business, and government customers will come under the Telstra banner.

Telstra Business Technology Services executive director, Christopher Smith, said Company85 was chosen for its consulting and technical expertise, including the approach it developed for standardising and automating data centre migrations.

“As organisations look to digitise their business, whether it’s to expand into new markets, create new products or improve efficiency, they are increasingly seeking integrated solutions for their network, security and cloud infrastructure, as well as advice on how to implement and manage these,” he said.

“Company85’s broad set of consulting capabilities will help us to differentiate our offerings in Europe. We will be able to engage in IT transformation conversations with prospective customers early in the proposal stage, which we believe will help to strengthen our position and create demand for our network services in the region.”

A Telstra spokesperson told ARN that Company85’s capability is "strongly aligned" to the existing suite of technology services it offers its Australian customers through its Business Technology Services group.

"While there isn't a specific set of skills in Company85 that we don't have in Australia, the business has thought leaders who will contribute to our technical communities and could well take on engagements in Australia.

"This acquisition is [also] consistent with strategic investments we have made in the Australian market to grow this area of our business, including through Kloud and Readify," he mentioned.  

Company85 CEO, Adrian Spink, said the combination of Telstra’s network and global reach, with Company85’s technical expertise and strong market relationships would create growth opportunities.

“Being part of Telstra we see a tremendous opportunity to reach new customers and accelerate our international expansion,” he said.

According to Smith, the acquisition is also aligned to Telstra’s strategy to grow its technology services business in the European region.

“Company85’s offering is strongly aligned to the existing suite of technology consulting services we offer our Australian customers, and is consistent with the strategic investments we have made in Australia,” he said.

“Importantly, it aligns with our strategy to grow our services business in regions that are key hubs for multinational corporations. We see the UK as a key market for our growing technology services business and a strong platform to expand into Europe.”