Salford Quays-based TalkTalk Business is merging with Liverpool tech service provider ARO to form a £200 million turnover group employing 650 staff. The combination creates an independent provider of connectivity and managed technology services with a client base exceeding 70,000 organisations across the UK.
Under the terms of the agreement, ARO brings specialist capabilities in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managed IT services, while TalkTalk Business provides connectivity, networking, and telecommunications frameworks.
Completion of the merger remains subject to regulatory approval under the National Security and Investment Act, which is expected by the end of the summer. Both businesses will initially retain their respective corporate brands and existing office locations while integration plans proceed.
In a related operational update, TalkTalk Business formally completed its full structural separation from the TalkTalk Group to operate as an independent managed network service provider. This corporate reorganisation established the autonomous operational infrastructure that enabled the firm to negotiate and execute large-scale group mergers.
Ruth Kennedy, CEO of TalkTalk Business, said: “This merger represents another important step in our transformation into a leading managed services provider and brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading independent technology partner for UK organisations. The market is evolving rapidly, with organisations increasingly seeking technology partners that can combine strategic expertise, operational excellence and broad service capabilities at scale.
“This combination creates a business that is uniquely positioned to meet those expectations and support customers across every stage of their technology journey. We are creating a platform with the scale to invest, innovate and grow. Together, we have an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the future of the UK technology services market.”
Ciaran Rafferty, CEO at ARO, said: “This is a defining moment for both ARO and TalkTalk Business. Together, we are creating a business with the scale, expertise and ambition to become a leading independent provider of connectivity and managed technology services in the UK. By bringing together our complementary strengths, we are creating a stronger partner with broader capabilities, deeper expertise and greater capacity to invest in innovation, service delivery and long-term customer success.”
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