Equiteq is pleased to have advised elite Microsoft Partner risual on its sale to cloud-led digital transformation Managed Services Provider (MSP) Node4.
risual is an IT managed services and solutions provider and Microsoft Azure Expert MSP, employing 170 staff in the UK. As Microsoft Experts for 17 years, risual have deep product knowledge across Microsoft technologies and is a specialist in transforming clients in cloud, business and digital. risual has worked across major public sector digital and IT service frameworks, including the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).
Node4 is an advanced, cloud-based digital transformation company offering end-to-end hybrid solutions. Node4’s portfolio is made up of managed public and private cloud, security, and collaboration services, as well as cloud enablers including colocation and connectivity. Backed by Providence Equity Partners, Node4 is focused on strategic acquisitions that will enhance its ability to deliver end-to-end services and help UK businesses move to secure cloud-based platforms.
Node4’s acquisition of risual, in addition to their acquisition of TNP in July 2021, brings together knowledge, skills and ability to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of Microsoft services. risual’s accreditation in the public sector and extensive consulting experience enhances the group’s credibility and expertise in delivering Microsoft solutions to the mid-tier enterprise and public sector. risual’s highly skilled experts will play a critical role as Node4 establishes itself as the most capable customer-focused MSP in the UK.
“As Node4 evolves into a company that provides more cloud-based transformation services, risual represents a perfect match given its track record, consulting skills, and managed services in the public cloud,” said Andrew Gilbert, CEO of Node4. “With complementary Microsoft skill sets, Node4 and risual are ideal for delivering the change that matters to customers and the transformational outcomes they need.”
Alun Rogers, Co-Founder of risual, said: “Joining the Node4 team is an extremely exciting step for risual, and their excellent reputation was a deciding factor in our decision to include risual in the group. Node4’s exceptional service as standard, also as its culture and commitment to providing strategic input and honest leadership is in perfect harmony with risual’s core values of honesty, openness, and trust.”
Equiteq acted as financial advisor. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The completion of the acquisition is subject to National Security and Investment (NSI) act approval.
Regarding Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Rich Proud, Co-Founder of risual said: “The support from the entire Equiteq team was quintessential to getting this transaction to risual. Their outstanding work ethic, cloud industry knowledge and commitment made the Equiteq team feel like an extension of ours. This combined with great process advice and reach into the cloud services ecosystem made them a great partner to both risual teams and shareholders. Thank you, team Equiteq.”
Jerome Glynn-Smith, Managing Director and Head – Europe of Equiteq, further adds: “Cloud-based expertise and solutions are the core of a modern managed IT workplace offering. The risual team with huge cloud transformation expertise, particularly around Microsoft Azure, made our sale process lean towards Node4 as a great home for the risual proposition and people. We wish the teams all the best as they start work together.”