Convergence specialist acquires VNO Sirocom

Azzurri acquires VNO Sirocom to boost convergence portfolio.

Converged voice and data service provider and consultancy Azzurri Communications bought UK virtual network operator (VNO) Sirocom for an undisclosed sum earlier this month. Azzurri said it ams to add more wide area network (WAN) data, mobile and secure remote access skills to its portfolio.

As a VNO, Sirocom buys leased line, broadband, IP virtual private network (VPN), remote access and mobile data services from other providers on its customers’ behalf. It manages the combined service portfolio and negotiates significant discounts on individual voice and data elements.

Sirocom managing director Simon Rogan refused to comment on the possibility that the two firms might consolidate their respective business operations to cut costs. He stressed that the estimated 550 organisations that currently rely on Sirocom for all or part of their voice and data communications should be reassured by Azzurri’s good reputation for customer service.

“What Azzurri wants to be is the leading managed [voice/data] service provider in the UK, and to do that you have to provide good service and support,” Rogan said.

He added, “We spent many months analysing Azzurri’s direction, fit and customer service skill sets, and [deducing] how we can complement each other.”

Azzurri itself was acquired by private equity firm PPM Capital in a £182m deal earlier this year.