M Group Takes Bold Leap into Technology Solutions With Telent Acquisition
In a move set to send ripples across the infrastructure landscape, M Group has announced the acquisition of Telent, a pivotal force in operational technology and digital solutions for critical national infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.
This deal signals not only M Group’s intent to solidify its standing in the sector, but also its readiness to address the ever-changing challenges facing modern infrastructure with cutting-edge digital prowess.
When the ink dries on this transaction, pending regulatory approval, M Group will be uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, technology-driven solutions to a market hungry for innovation. By fusing its well-established infrastructure service portfolio with Telent’s acclaimed expertise in mission-critical communications and cybersecurity, M Group is carving out a new path to meet the demands of an evolving landscape.
Unlocking New Markets and Enhanced Capabilities
Telent’s strengths—spanning secure network infrastructure, end-to-end cybersecurity, and robust mission-critical communications—give M Group a substantial leg up. The acquisition extends M Group’s reach far beyond traditional boundaries, opening doors to new sectors such as defence, emergency services, education, and the public sector, in addition to strengthening its foothold in core markets like telecoms, energy, water, and transport.
This is no mere bolt-on. Integrating Telent’s differentiated capabilities allows M Group to deliver genuinely integrated solutions, blending physical infrastructure delivery with sophisticated digital solutions—an approach that promises to resonate with both private and public sector clients alike.
Among the shared clients who stand to benefit are some of the UK’s largest and most vital operators: Transport for London (TfL), National Highways, Network Rail, Virgin Media O2, BT, EE, and Openreach. With these partnerships in place, the newly combined entity is poised to deliver next-level services across the entire infrastructure ecosystem.
Driving Ambition and Growth
Andrew Findlay, Chief Executive of M Group, didn’t mince words about the transformative nature of this deal: “This is a hugely transformative deal for M Group and I am delighted Telent is joining us.” He went on to underscore the synergy between the two organisations: “We recognise the strength of Telent’s differentiated capabilities, market position and talented people that make it a great business. With the acquisition of Telent, M Group will be even better placed to deliver essential infrastructure services for life.”
Findlay highlighted the strategic rationale underpinning the deal: “Our ambitious growth strategy reflects a combination of organic and inorganic growth and this acquisition builds on our strong track record of strategic M&A. It will enable us to deliver even greater value and expertise to our clients and so help the people, communities and economies of the UK and Ireland adapt to a changing world.”
Telent’s Chief Executive, Jo Gretton, echoed the enthusiasm: “Joining M Group marks an exciting new chapter for Telent, reinforcing our leading position in network and technology solutions.” Gretton’s optimism was palpable: “Telent is a business with a long trading heritage and an excellent reputation. With M Group’s extensive infrastructure expertise and scale, we are well placed to accelerate our growth and continue to be a trusted partner for organisations at the forefront of the digital revolution.”
From the perspective of CVC, M Group’s backers, Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner and Co-Head of the UK team, emphasised the scale and impact of the transaction: “Since CVC acquired M Group last year, the business has taken major strides forwards in the delivery of its ambitious strategy to strengthen its capabilities and enhance its solutions offering for clients. This latest acquisition transforms M Group’s digital and technology capabilities and accelerates its growth momentum, taking pro forma revenue to over £3 billion.”
Addressing Ageing Infrastructure
The UK and Ireland are grappling with the twin pressures of ageing infrastructure and rising digital demands. As networks and physical assets creak under the strain of modern requirements, only a comprehensive approach—one that marries bricks and mortar with bytes and bandwidth—can rise to the occasion.
That’s where M Group’s new, unified approach comes into play. By weaving Telent’s digital acumen into the fabric of its service offering, M Group aims to provide solutions that not only keep the lights on, but also futureproof the essential systems on which businesses, governments, and communities rely.
Infrastructure renewal is about more than patching holes or replacing pipes. Today, it demands a fusion of technology, data, and proactive asset management. Telent’s proven record in designing, building, and managing critical digital infrastructure is set to turbocharge M Group’s offering. The result? More resilient, secure, and efficient services across water, transport, telecoms, and energy networks.
From Highways to Data Highways
With the acquisition of Telent, M Group has made a deliberate play for adjacent markets. By deepening its roots in digital infrastructure, the group is now equipped to offer tailored solutions for clients in the defence, public sector, and emergency services spheres. These sectors, increasingly dependent on robust digital and communications networks, are searching for partners who can blend operational expertise with next-generation tech.
Just take a look at Telent’s credentials: the company has partnered with the likes of Transport for London, National Highways, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Ambulance Radio Programme. Its skills—spanning design, build, and management of mission-critical networks—sit right at the intersection of traditional infrastructure and digital transformation. That’s exactly the sweet spot today’s clients are searching for.
Safeguarding the Digital Frontier
In an era where the stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher, Telent’s end-to-end cyber expertise brings significant value to the M Group portfolio. National infrastructure is a prime target for cyber threats, and clients need assurance that their systems are as secure as they are sophisticated.
Telent’s capabilities in this area are tried and tested, covering everything from secure communications for the emergency services to network protection for telecoms giants. With cyberattacks growing in frequency and complexity, this layer of defence is no longer optional—it’s essential.
For M Group, this means the ability to offer clients an all-in-one solution, seamlessly integrating physical and digital security across the value chain.
A Century-Old Heritage, A Future-Focused Approach
M Group’s roots stretch back more than a hundred years. With over 11,000 employees across 200 sites, it’s a business that knows a thing or two about keeping the country’s infrastructure running. Yet it’s clear the group isn’t resting on its laurels; if anything, the move to acquire Telent signals a bold intent to stay ahead of the curve.
The company’s rebrand as simply “M Group” is more than just a cosmetic shift. It’s a statement of ambition and evolution, one that reflects a unified, collaborative approach to meeting the infrastructure needs of tomorrow. Whether it’s maintaining roads, renewing rail lines, or reimagining the networks that keep society ticking, M Group is promising to deliver with scale, skill, and a keen eye on the future.
Strengthening Partnerships, Driving Collaboration
M Group’s ability to build and sustain long-term partnerships is a major asset. The acquisition of Telent enhances these relationships by bringing added value and a deeper bench of expertise to the table. Shared clients—including industry heavyweights such as BT, EE, and Openreach—will be watching closely as the integration unfolds.
It’s not just about merging two businesses. This is about creating a platform for collaboration, where best-in-class infrastructure know-how meets digital innovation. For clients, that spells greater reliability, improved service levels, and more future-proofed investments.
A Digital-First Infrastructure Era
All eyes will be on M Group as it integrates Telent and delivers on its promise to set new standards in the infrastructure space. While regulatory approval remains the last hurdle, anticipation is high that the deal will sail through, given the pressing need for technology-led renewal in national infrastructure.
As M Group broadens its horizons, the future looks brighter for the sectors it serves. With digital transformation no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity, the group’s latest move positions it as a partner of choice for organisations navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
Forging a New Legacy
The acquisition of Telent by M Group stands as a testament to the power of strategic thinking and bold ambition. By bringing together the best of both worlds—deep infrastructure expertise and trailblazing digital solutions—the group is writing a new chapter in its long history.
With a focus on safety, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation, M Group’s journey is only just beginning. The integration of Telent marks a significant milestone, not only for the businesses involved but for the future of critical infrastructure right across the UK and Ireland.
