Team Telecom Group acquires C&C Technology

Team Telecom Group (TTG) has acquired IT consultancy C&C Technology, in the first phase of the Group’s planned expansion since a £32.8m management buy-out backed by Gresham Private Equity in May 2010. The move combines the strengths of TTG and C&C in the aviation sector and brings additional capabilities and services to TTG’s aviation portfolio, which already includes AirRadio, a leader in mobile radio solutions for airport and airline operations.

Mike Norfield, CEO of TTG, says: “This is just the first step in our expansion and targeted growth in the aviation sector. AirRadio has a reputation for delivering world class mobile radio solutions to the aviation industry, and it makes sense for us to build on this success. C&C is a highly respected consultancy with a strong heritage in the sector and offers a good fit with AirRadio. For our customers it means we can provide a more comprehensive range of cutting-edge IT, communications and related services.”

Headquartered in Basingstoke, UK, C&C has provided services to the aviation sector and other markets for over 15 years, delivering award-winning IT services to clients including: BAA, Gatwick Airport and baggage handling specialists Vanderlande.  With a team of over 150 consultants and increasing product development capabilities, the company will be an integral part of TTG’s plans to build a new dedicated technology and consultancy services group with AirRadio Ltd, expanding their combined strengths in aviation, while continuing to look for opportunities in other markets.

The acquisition will see C&C Technology’s existing team remain in place, with their founder principals, Managing Director Jason Colombo and Sales & Marketing Director John Foster, joining the board of the new technology and consultancy services group.  Jason Colombo commented: “This is the start of an exciting new era for C&C.  TTG has gone from strength to strength since its management buy-out last year, and the expertise and customer focus they have complements our approach to business.  Being part of a global group like TTG, and working with a market leader such as AirRadio, opens up new opportunities for us and our customers.”

C&C Technology brings a range of specialist information technology expertise, including services ranging from strategic advice and solution design to innovative tools, covering all aspects of IT from desktop to data centre. The firm has a particularly strong track record in operational and critical business systems in specialist areas such as baggage handling systems, flight information and logistics.  

Brian Nicholson, managing director of AirRadio, comments: “The acquisition of C&C Technology brings a greater strength and depth of services that we can offer to our combined client base.  We will be working closely with the C&C team over the coming months, with our clients benefiting from the commitment to quality and service that they have come to expect from TTG.”

AirRadio works with organisations including BAA, British Airways, BMI, Servisair and KLM Ground Services, ensuring reliable operations and support 24/7.  AirRadio is also the leading PMR (Professional Mobile Radio) network owner/operator and managed service provider at 22 UK airports 

TTG also comprises Team Simoco in the UK and ComGroup in Australia, which operate in the specialist PMR market, and Indigo Telecom Group, which supplies turnkey mobile & fixed telecoms solutions to the major telecommunications equipment manufacturers and network operators.

Paul Franks and Andy Tupholme managed the deal at Gresham Private Equity.  Squire, Sanders & Dempsey were legal advisers for the deal and Grant Thornton acted as financial advisers.  Alexander James was responsible for financial due diligence and Mackrell Turner Garrett provided legal advice to the vendor.  Founded in 1845, Mackrell Turner Garrett has a well respected and excellent reputation for providing quality expertise and a high standard of service to its clients.  Also the firm is a founder of Mackrell International, an international network of 4,200 lawyers in 82 firms in 110 offices around the world.

For more information please visit http://www.teamtelecomgroup.com/