This acquisition will see revenue grow by 35% with a combination of enterprise IT infrastructure, SME IT managed services, enterprise IT cloud services and cyber security services representing nearly 50% of the FluidOne portfolio. It follows the investment in Microsoft Gold Partner Marathon Information Technology Services in May 2022. Highlander’s portfolio perfectly complements Marathon’s focus on cloud transformation, modern workplace, security and contact centre services for the mid-market and enterprise marketplaces.
Highlander will continue to be led by Managing Director Steve Brown and will become a centre of excellence for IT managed services for the existing FluidOne customers with 10-200 employees. Headquartered in Sheffield, Highlander will combine the existing FluidOne IT teams based in Cheltenham, Colgate and London into a branch network providing local account management, engineering and centralised leadership.
Commenting on the acquisition Russell Horton, FluidOne CEO, said:
“Bringing Highlander into the group is an exciting move for us as their services really complement those in our existing portfolio, further strengthening our Connected Cloud solutions, as well as enabling us to bring a strong IT service offering to small and medium enterprises.
As I got to know Steve and his senior team I realised what a strong fit they are to our strategy, with loyal and skilled staff, excellent customer service, and a portfolio that fills gaps in our IT offering. We have worked together on a joint strategy with ambitious plans to scale out Highlander as a centre of excellence within the FluidOne group leading a branch network of SME IT services in addition to their strength in enterprise IT infrastructure.”
Steve Brown, Highlander Computing Solutions Ltd. Managing Director, added:
“When FluidOne approached us, we weren’t up for sale. In fact, we’d been approached many times by other companies in the past, but had never found the right fit for our future. However, when we had a conversation with FluidOne, everything just fell into place. FluidOne provides the right cultural fit, quality customer service and the opportunity to invest in Sheffield as an HQ and growing hub for SME IT and for enterprise IT infrastructure. I’m excited to bring our expertise to a wider customer base across the UK and to strengthen what we can provide our existing customers with wider FluidOne Connected Cloud services.”
Post-acquisition, Steve Brown will remain as Managing Director, with Highlander long standing Chairman, Rich Field, remaining with the business as a consultant to the board of directors. FluidOne’s CEO, Russell Horton, is to become Chairman of Highlander, with the FluidOne directors Brendan Lynch, Chris Rogers and Roy Hastings also joining Highlander as legal directors.”