Cloud communications provider Babble has seen off competition from 20 other bidders to acquire TechQuarters, a multi-award-winning Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP).
The company also announced it has snapped up Stonegate, a Microsoft-focused MSP based in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The acquisitions, Babble’s second double swoop of the year so far, further strengthen its growing cloud service provider business as well as its expertise across Office 365, Sentinel, and Azure.
A leading supplier of Microsoft solutions in the UK, TechQuarters beat 600,000 other companies to be awarded ‘Microsoft Cloud Champions’ two years running and was also named Microsoft World Cloud Partner of the Year for SMBs.
Babble said the move accelerates its transition from cloud communications player to a cloud services provider, comms, and IT MSP, while TechQuarters’ 85% recurring revenue and over 40% organic growth reinforces its aim to become the only MSP with software as a service (SaaS) like financials.
“We’re already a Microsoft Gold Partner holding Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider status, growing faster than any other Microsoft CSP,” said Matt Parker, CEO at Babble.
“This deal accelerates our capabilities for the full range of Microsoft solutions that businesses rely upon and cements Babble as the only UK cloud services provider of both comms and IT MSP solutions at scale.
“This moves us another step closer to our aim of being the UK’s largest and preferred cloud service provider, with local ‘hubs’ located across the country,” Parker added. “The long-term goal of creating these hubs is so we can run the business as a national one, while still providing customers with the individual and local support that they need.”
Babble has been on an acquisition spree over the last few years, snapping up 29 different companies since 2019 as part of its ongoing buy-and-build strategy.
Earlier this year, the firm expanded its presence with Gateshead-based mobile services provider Corporate Wardair Limited (CWL), as well as Chester-headquartered telecoms and IT services provider Avanda.
Back in January, ICON Corporate Finance – which advised on the TechQuarters deal - named Babble as the UK’s second most acquisitive company. With 20 other bidders, ICON founding director Brian Parker described this latest acquisition process as “hugely competitive”.
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“The combination of a first-class team, strong organic customer growth, and recurring revenue attracted upwards of 20 bidders,” he said. “We believe TechQuarters has found the best possible home as part Babble.”
Alongside TechQuarters, Babble also announced the acquisition of Bury-based MSP, Stonegate. Babble said it will integrate both companies’ remote and offshore customer support models into its offering to provide 24/7 support and training.
“The acquisitions of both TechQuarters and Stonegate will allow us to further diversify and broaden our offering in order for more companies to successfully adopt the cloud,” Parker added.
“We are laser focused on delivering exceptional quality of service for our customers, ensuring we are always by their side, whenever they need us, helping them transform their businesses.”
