Trustmarque & Ultima merge to create UK IT giant with GBP £1bn
Trustmarque and Ultima Business Solutions have agreed to merge, forming one of the largest IT channel providers in the UK with a projected Gross Invoiced Income of GBP £1 billion.
The merger brings together two longstanding UK-based technology services providers and will combine the expertise of over 1,000 employees serving more than 3,000 customers. Both companies have operations spanning seven locations in the UK and internationally, and partnerships with technology vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Hitachi Vantara, HP, Palo Alto, and Citrix.
Strategic growth
The merged company will offer a broad portfolio of IT services, ranging from advisory roles and infrastructure support to end-to-end managed services. Strengths across cloud computing, cybersecurity, automation, and applications of artificial intelligence are highlighted as key components of the business. The new organisation will also benefit from proprietary intellectual property and software tools developed through Ultima Labs and Livingstone Group.
Simon Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Trustmarque, will serve as CEO of the combined group. Jamie Beaumont, Chief Financial Officer at Ultima, will take on the CFO role, with both supported by an integrated leadership team drawn from both organisations. The merger is backed by the private equity firms One Equity Partners and Apse Capital and is set to complete in the coming weeks.
Expanding expertise
The companies aim to address the increasing demand for advanced technical services in the UK market, which is being shaped by growing complexity in digital transformation initiatives and heightened security risks. Services will extend across private and public sectors, with a focus on delivering expert-driven, managed IT solutions and software automation.
"Together, we are a powerhouse for managed services and digital innovation across the UK and globally. This merger brings together complementary strengths to create greater value for our people and our clients. Building on Trustmarque's strong Microsoft and Cisco heritage, we are combining the breadth of services and scale needed to deliver, with the depth of expertise and experience that comes from our united teams.
This gives us more opportunities to anticipate our clients' needs, stay ahead of changes in their industries and unlock new opportunities together."
Williams added that the company's established partnerships and expanded technical capabilities would provide a platform for supporting clients as they deal with rapidly evolving digital and cybersecurity challenges.
Jamie Beaumont of Ultima described the deal as significant for both companies.
"This is a major milestone in our growth strategy. From the outset, it has been clear that there is exceptional complementarity between Trustmarque and Ultima, with the potential to combine scale with specialist expertise. Together, we offer a comprehensive, integrated range of services and support, delivered by exceptional talent that our customers rightly value. Our immediate priority is to complete the transaction and ensure a smooth transition in the coming months for all our customers and partners, while unlocking the full potential of the group."
The two businesses bring nearly four decades of industry experience, having supported clients that range from FTSE 100 firms to units within the UK Government. The merger is expected to increase the capacity and flexibility of the group, with ongoing investment from its private equity backers.
Customer and partner focus
The immediate focus for both companies is to manage the transition process for clients and partners, maintaining service continuity as they integrate their teams and systems. Trustmarque and Ultima will continue to operate as separate businesses until the merger reaches completion.
The teams emphasised their commitment to delivering services to both existing and new customers, supported by established vendor relationships. The companies will also continue to develop and support specialist software and automation solutions, with technical depth in areas such as cloud management and cybersecurity.
Upon completion of the merger, the new group's leadership team will work to capitalise on their combined resources and market presence, aiming to strengthen their position in the highly competitive UK IT channel sector.
