Cyber security firm acquires Pentest

CYBER security Secarma has acquired Altrincham, Greater Manchester-based Pentest for an undisclosed sum.

Application security specialist Pentest, whose 45-strong team works with global blue chip organisations will add significant new resources, including a team of ethical hackers, to Manchester-headquartered Secarma, also owned by UKFast chief executive Lawrence Jones.

Pentest managing director John Denneny said: “In order for us to continue our current rapid growth curve, we believe the time was right to look for a partner whose approach to business and its employees very much mirrors ours.

“The deal gives us the opportunity to invest in our people and its future growth to a degree that we could not match standalone. 

“We have found the perfect partner in Secarma, an ambitious business with an existing management that demonstrates an understanding of our industry and its potential.”

The deal offers the opportunity for both companies to merge their specialist IT knowledge and expand their existing client bases, while being perfectly placed to provide the highest level of online security.

Pentest is set relocate to the UKFast Campus, where a cyber-security research lab and defensive security operations centre are currently under construction.

Denneny said: “In recent years we have experienced a growing demand for quality security consultancy.

“Recruitment of highly skilled professionals remains a top priority for us but equally important is the retention of existing staff.

“This next step for us addresses both these challenges by offering an environment that will attract the very best.

“The purpose built research laboratory and our understanding that consultants want to be proud of the work they deliver ticks two of the most important boxes for high calibre consultants.”

Although Secarma will remain headquartered in the UK, the merger allows the business to grow its presence in the US, where Pentest has a Silicon Valley client.

Secarma managing director Andy Hague said: “The American market is interesting because they take online security very seriously. Companies build it into their development cycles from the ground up much more so than is the norm elsewhere.

“The UK is held in high regard globally for its cybersecurity expertise. Joining forces with Pentest means we are set to become one of the largest independent, accredited security companies in the UK and our expertise is extremely exportable. We expect to bring in some great people and grow our team to more than 100 within the next 12 months.”

Meanwhile, Jones called the deal “a great merger of similar cultures”.

He said: “Our investment in Pentest is an investment in knowledge and talent. It’s a demonstration of our intentions for both our clients at UKFast and the eCommerce and online community that we see security as an area of massive importance. Security is a fundamental part of our future.”

The deal was led in house for Secarma by Catherine Houghton, Mergers and Acquisitions Director, and Nicola Frost, Head of Legal. Legal due diligence was undertaken by Nabarro. Pentest was advised by Ed Foulkes of Clarke Willmott.