Viatel acquires Cybit Cyber NI unit to boost security services

Viatel Technology Group has acquired the cyber operations of Cybit Cyber in Northern Ireland in a move that expands its cybersecurity services for mid-market and enterprise organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

Under the agreement, Viatel will integrate Cybit Cyber's Belfast-based business, which currently serves public and private sector customers throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the north of England. Cybit Cyber is known for its work with technology partners such as Palo Alto Networks, F5 Networks, Check Point, Qualys, and Fortinet, and has been recognised as a top-performing partner in the region.

Expanding capability

Viatel's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Rellis, acknowledged the impact of the latest acquisition on the company's capabilities. He said, "We are delighted to welcome the Cybit Cyber customers, partners and team to Viatel Technology Group. Their exceptional technical knowledge supports customers with multifaceted cybersecurity needs and those operating in highly regulated markets. The integration of this deep expertise will ensure Viatel are exceptionally well-placed to protect and defend the integrity of our customers' operations."

He added, "Cyber threats have created a compelling need for sophisticated technology partners. In response to the escalating complexity of the threat landscape, this acquisition is about more than expansion. We are fundamentally elevating our cybersecurity expertise to a new level. Adding this level of cybersecurity acumen to Viatel's networking experience and Microsoft expertise further establishes Viatel as the preferred technology partner for mid-market and enterprise organisations across Ireland, the UK, and internationally."

Background and expertise

Cybit Cyber brings over three decades of experience to Viatel, focusing on the security needs of large public institutions and enterprises, particularly those with complex or regulated requirements. Its expertise encompasses a broad suite of security solutions, including managed services and consulting. The company has been recognised as 'Partner of the Year' by Palo Alto Networks for five consecutive years.

Paddy Trainor, Managing Director of Cybit Cyber, commented on the news, "Becoming part of Viatel is a significant step that strategically positions us for growth in a market with a critical need of our skills and knowledge. This announcement guarantees continued investment in our people, our partners and our highly valued customer relationships."

Strategic direction

The acquisition is part of Viatel's long-term expansion strategy, which includes both organic growth and acquisitions. With support from Macquarie Capital, Viatel aims to build on its existing business technology and cybersecurity portfolio to serve a broader market across Ireland and internationally.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Advisors involved in the process included Darran Nangle and Eoghan McElhinney from A&L Goodbody, alongside Gareth Cosgrove and Graceanne O'Brien from Grant Thornton, who supported Viatel during the acquisition process.

Operational focus

The acquisition concerns Cybit Cyber's Belfast-based cyber operations, with other divisions of Cybit in the United Kingdom unaffected. Cybit's non-cyber businesses will continue under their current structure, enabling Viatel to focus solely on enhancing its cybersecurity expertise within the scope of this transaction.

Viatel's expanded offering, with the addition of the Cybit Cyber team, will enable it to provide advanced security solutions alongside its established services in networking, cloud, Microsoft technologies, and managed IT services for customers across various sectors, including financial services and public administration.

According to both companies, the integration is expected to ensure continuity for existing customers, investment in staff and services, and an expanded range of technology solutions.

Paddy Trainor stated that joining Viatel is designed to ensure continued growth for the Belfast business and signal ongoing commitment to clients, employees, and technology partners.

Viatel now moves forward with the latest addition to its portfolio, aiming to provide specialist cybersecurity support to organisations facing growing regulatory and security challenges in Ireland and internationally.