Acquisition ignites transformational growth opportunity at IT specialist Blaze Networks
Blaze Networks, a Macclesfield-based IT managed services provider, has been acquired by a private equity-backed Community Technology, for an undisclosed sum.
Blaze is a security-focused communications and SD-WAN specialist which began trading in 2002, operated by two brothers, Ben and Simon Brassington.
Following its sale to Teesside-based Communicate Technology, backed by Rockpool, Blaze will continue to operate under managing director Ben Brassington.
Blaze’s technical capabilities in designing and implementing multi-site, software-defined networking solutions will play a key role in expanding Communicate’s service portfolio, supporting organisations that require high performance, secure connectivity across distributed environments.
Ben Brassington said: “Joining Communicate presents a fantastic opportunity for Blaze Networks to accelerate its growth while continuing to deliver the high quality solutions our customers rely on.
“By integrating with Communicate, we can offer an even more comprehensive service while also providing our team with exciting new career development opportunities.”
He added: “Having reinvested in the group, I am fully committed to this next phase of expansion.”
Communicate was founded in 2011 and operates its own fibre network infrastructure, providing comprehensive cyber security and IT managed services. The company secured private equity investment in June 2024 from Rockpool and is now on course to nearly triple its turnover to a projected £17m in 2025.
Communicate CEO, Tony Snaith, said: “Bringing Blaze Networks into the Communicate group significantly strengthens our ability to offer cutting edge, secure IT solutions.
“Their expertise complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to provide businesses with seamless, scalable and highly secure network architectures. This acquisition is not only about expanding our service offering, it’s also about creating real value for customers and fostering professional growth for our team as we continue to scale.”
The shareholders of Blaze Networks were advised by George Dalton and Mughees Saleem of Bolton-based KBS Corporate Finance.
George said: “Si and Ben have built an incredibly successful business in Blaze, a specialist in its marketplace through its expert offerings in SD-WAN and SASE.
“The business is an exceptional solution provider, creating scalability for customers running multi-site operations.
“From early in the process, we could establish there were clear cross-selling opportunities in partnering with Communicate Technology. Through the backing and support from Rockpool, Blaze continues into an exciting new chapter in its journey.”
