i3 in fresh swoop
NORTH West IT cabling and fibre optics group i3 has bought another business, specialist CCTV and UV lining business Cyclops.
Haydock-based i3, which was formerly called H2O Networks, will use the bolt-on acquisition to build on its relationship with water companies – with whom it has pioneered fibre optic cable laying.
Cyclops, which employs 20 people will form a new division, H2O Services, which i3 expects to double in size in the next six months.
The acquisition will help the group’s water company clients to better manage the maintenance and repair of their water and sewer pipes and will benefit i3 which now has the expertise to survey the sewer network, a requirement prior to laying the fibre cable and a process it has had to outsource until now
Elfed Thomas, chief executive of i3 Group explains: “i3 Group has developed innovative models to deliver low cost fibre infrastructure to areas with limited connectivity or where next generation access is required.
“H2O Services will substantially reduce operational costs for the water companies by assisting with the maintenance of damaged sewers through CCTV and UV lining repairs. The water companies are excited that we have the ability to deliver such a fast and cost effective solution.”
John Bookless has been appointed as managing director of H2O Services and has been with the group for the last year as group strategy director.
Cyclops is the second acquisition the i3 Group has made this year. In February, it bought Fibre Associates, branded Fibre @, which designs and manufactures a range of fibre optic connectivity products. i3 stands for innovation in infrastructure.
