Connected Cloud Solutions Provider, FluidOne, today announced the strategic acquisition of SAS Global Communications, a high-quality provider of SD-WAN-enabled global hybrid networks, to enhance its service offering to mid-market and enterprise customers.
Founded in 1989 by main shareholder Stephen Stanway, SAS designs, deploys and manages SD-WAN hybrid networks, which are supported by its innovative monitoring and management portal, serving over 150 customers with sites in 65 countries, and a focus on companies with over 1,000 employees. SAS boasts a team that includes some of the top managed service experts in the industry whose knowledge on LAN, Wi-Fi, WAN, SD-WAN, SASE, App Dev and IT services will greatly complement FluidOne's existing portfolio. Core to SAS’ approach is to deliver a high-quality customer experience to which their Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 70 and long-term customer relationships are a testament. This aligns strongly with FluidOne's values and market leading NPS of 81.
Building upon its foundations as the most connected network aggregator in the UK delivered via its award-winning national fibre network, Platform One, FluidOne's vision is to become the best quality provider of Connected Cloud Solutions to UK businesses. Consulting to help customers and partners digitally transform their IT and communications, creating multi-cloud and multi-connected environments that are secure, safe and simple for them to use. The acquisition of SAS builds on the acquisition of PSU Business Technology Limited (PSU) in October 2020, that included skills in IT Managed Services and Unified Communications, and the investment in Cyber Security Associates Ltd (CSA) in November 2020, a dedicated cyber security consultancy and managed services specialist. This has created a £60m revenue group with 240 staff serving 1,300 customers and resellers.
Commenting on the acquisition, FluidOne CEO, Russell Horton said:
“I have known Colin Mattey, the Chairman of SAS, for a number of years and knew of the quality of the business, particularly in multi-national SD-WAN deployments and their unique network monitoring and management portal developed in-house. Through the acquisition process we have met key members of their team and referenced their top clients, and been really impressed with their experience, values and the level of service delivered. With their strength in serving larger mid-market and enterprise customers and complementary services, the FluidOne Board and I saw a great fit to our connected cloud solutions strategy, broadening the offering to our combined customers. In particular, with FluidOne being an SD-WAN partner with Fortinet and VMWare, and SAS having strong SD-WAN experience with Cisco, combined this gives market-leading capabilities and customer choice in SD-WAN and hybrid networks. Both businesses have services that will benefit each other’s customers, and we have already started working together on joint opportunities. I look forward to working with the management team and staff at SAS, and I am excited at the opportunities that our combined capabilities give to support our ambitious growth plans and to serve our customers”
Stephen Stanway said:
“Having developed the business for over 30 years I am immensely proud of my team and what we have achieved together, creating a high-quality business with loyal experienced staff and happy customers. When I met with Russell and the FluidOne Board to discuss the potential of SAS joining FluidOne, I could see a strong alignment in staff culture, values and how both businesses always seek to put the customers first.”
Colin Mattey, added:
“Russell saw real value in our ability to deliver managed networks with the best network monitoring and service levels in the market to enterprise and multinational customers. He saw how the business would add value to FluidOne customers whilst providing exciting growth opportunities for the SAS business.
Our teams are already working on joint bids, including offering cyber security services from CSA to complement our hybrid-network solutions. The SAS management team have been working on joint strategy planning with the FluidOne team and we can see that there is a great fit for the future of SAS customers and staff.”
About SAS Global Communications
Founded in 1989, SAS Global Communications designs, deploys and manages the networks where its customers run their businesses in an increasingly digital world. SAS’s vision is to help customers digitalise their businesses with its hybrid networks enhanced by SD-WAN that blend carriers and technologies to optimise cost and delivery. Boasting a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of over 70, SAS prides itself on delivering excellent customer service and engagement to support its vision.
Its market leading monitoring and management portal improves application performance by monitoring the entire application path, raising 95% of key issues proactively. SAS monitors tens of thousands of devices across 65 countries and powers managed services for some of the UK’s biggest ICT brands.
www.sas.co.uk | contact@fluidone.com