Morecambe’s Smallword Cable sold to Virgin Media

LANCASHIRE-based TV and broadband provider Smallworld Fibre has been sold to Virgin Media.

North West law firm Brabners advised the Morecambe company on the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Smallworld has around 40,000 customers in the North West and western Scotland delivering broadband and landline phone services to towns including Carlisle, Lancaster and Morecamber as well as Irvine, Troon and Kilmarnock north of the border.

David Durnford, MD and owner of Smallworld Fibre, said: “Virgin Media has led the way in bringing superfast broadband and next generation TV to millions of UK homes and our customers will now be able to benefit from their significant ongoing investment and innovation.

“Smallworld is a great, local success story and, as the pace of change in the digital world continues to quicken, we’re delighted to be passing the baton onto such a great partner.”

Paul Buttery, Virgin Media’s chief customer, technology and networks officer, said: “Smallworld will help us bring Virgin Media’s advanced services to thousands of homes, businesses and organisations for the very first time.

“Their great network is a perfect fit for us as we continue to invest and look for the right opportunities to grow. We’re excited about what the region has to offer and what we can offer the region.”

Gill Gardner led the Brabners team in advising Smallworld on the deal.