M Group Acquisition of Telent Signals New Era in UK Digital Infrastructure
In a major shake-up that signals a bold leap forward in the UK and Ireland’s infrastructure and digital transformation landscape, M Group has finalised its acquisition of Telent. This move, which gained regulatory approval earlier this year, fuses two heavyweight players into a formidable force poised to deliver next-generation solutions across critical sectors.
With M Group’s well-established reputation in infrastructure services and Telent’s prowess in operational technology and digital infrastructure, this partnership couldn’t have come at a more critical time. As governments, industries, and communities push for smarter, greener, and more connected networks, the integration of these two businesses is expected to deliver just that.
“Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts” said Andrew Findlay, Chief Executive of M Group: “Telent’s differentiated capabilities, market position and the talented people that make it a great business, makes us even better placed to deliver essential infrastructure services for life for our clients, communities and the planet.”
Unlocking growth across shared markets
At the heart of this deal lies a shared ambition: growth through innovation. M Group, which operates across water, energy, rail, aviation, highways, and telecoms, gains a significant technological uplift with Telent’s inclusion. This enables the Group to meet the increasingly digital demands of infrastructure projects and provide future-ready services that can evolve alongside client needs.
From smart highways and digital rail networks to resilient energy grids and next-gen public sector services, this merger paves the way for integrated solutions that marry physical infrastructure with digital intelligence.
Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner and Co-Head of the UK team at CVC, remarked: “This latest acquisition will transform M Group’s digital and technology capabilities and accelerates its growth momentum.”
Enhancing public sector and emergency services
Telent’s deep-rooted experience supporting critical infrastructure for emergency services, network providers, and public institutions makes this acquisition especially impactful. Its client list reads like a who’s who of national resilience: Transport for London, National Highways, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Ambulance Radio Programme.
By aligning with M Group, these clients stand to benefit from enhanced scale, speed, and capability. The combined group can now offer turnkey digital infrastructure solutions with the assurance of safety, compliance, and innovation at scale.
Jo Gretton, Chief Executive of Telent, expressed optimism: “We are looking forward to exploring the opportunities this acquisition brings, building on our excellent reputation and continuing to be a trusted partner for organisations at the forefront of the digital revolution.”
Deepening client relationships and delivery excellence
Beyond the headlines, this acquisition reflects a broader strategy to deliver long-term value to clients. Both companies have cultivated strong relationships across their respective markets. By uniting their service portfolios, M Group and Telent are reinforcing their positions as trusted partners who not only meet expectations but raise the bar.
In practical terms, clients can expect:
- Broader service offerings across the full infrastructure lifecycle
- Greater integration of digital technologies into traditional services
- More agile, responsive delivery models
- Deeper insights through data and analytics
Findlay added: “As we enter a period of integration, we will continue to focus on business as usual, putting safety and our clients first.”
A powerful combination of scale and specialism
With more than 11,000 employees spread across 200 sites, M Group already had the scale to support national infrastructure demands. The addition of Telent brings a more specialised technological edge, particularly in mission-critical communications, system integration, and operational tech.
Telent has long been regarded as a leader in deploying and managing ICT and communication networks that underpin modern operations. Its services cover the entire lifecycle: design, build, manage, and support. That end-to-end capability will now slot into M Group’s broader delivery engine, creating a one-stop shop for smart infrastructure.
The value proposition here is clear. Few others in the industry can match this blend of scale, agility, and domain expertise across both physical and digital infrastructure.
Supporting a connected, low-carbon future
The convergence of digital technology and infrastructure plays a vital role in achieving the UK and Ireland’s net-zero and digital transformation goals. With this acquisition, M Group is signalling its intent to be at the forefront of that change.
Whether it’s intelligent transport systems, smart water networks, connected public spaces, or data-driven emergency services, the need for secure, resilient, and flexible infrastructure has never been greater. Together, M Group and Telent are well-positioned to lead that charge.
This partnership will also support national resilience by improving connectivity, operational uptime, and public safety in both urban and rural settings.
What happens next?
As the integration phase begins, both companies are taking a steady, strategic approach. There will be no sudden shifts, just a careful alignment of systems, talent, and delivery models.
Both leadership teams are committed to maintaining operational continuity and retaining the cultural strengths that have made each business successful.
The industry will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds. If the early signs are anything to go by, the M Group-Telent merger could become a textbook case of how to scale up innovation in a traditionally conservative sector.
Building tomorrow, together
In an age where digital transformation is rewriting the playbook for every sector, this union is more than a merger. It’s a strategic leap toward the future of essential services. From roads and railways to emergency comms and energy grids, the blueprint is clear: seamless, resilient, and smart.
This is not just about bigger business. It’s about better outcomes for people, for places, and for the planet. One infrastructure upgrade at a time.
