October 5th 2010 - Scalable, the leading independent provider of secure, best of breed converged solutions today announces it has been acquired by Alternative Networks Plc.

Under the acquisition, Scalable will continue to operate as a separate entity and drive its growth and success in the delivery and support of medium-to-large convergence and data centre projects to customers in the private and public sector. This growth however, will now be enhanced by the scale and resources of the Alternative Networks Group, a highly profitable £90M, publicly traded organisation.

Scalable’s customers will benefit from access to a larger product portfolio, which includes fixed line and mobile solutions as well as a market-leading billing platform.   They will also benefit from accelerated and new service developments that will result from the partnership.  Equally, Alternative’s own customers will benefit from Scalable’s unique skills in the design, delivery and support of best-of-breed, secure, converged network infrastructures.

Scalable and Alternative have a well established relationship with a strong mutual understanding of the convergence marketplace and a number of shared relationships. Both companies are Mitel Platinum partners and together will become one of the largest in Europe, whilst Scalable currently provides its billing services using AKJ’s platform, a company that was recently acquired by Alternative.

Simon Brown, Managing Director, Scalable said - "We are delighted with the acquisition and very excited to be able to continue to execute our growth plan whilst embracing the new opportunities that come from the scale and resources of Alternative”

James Murray, CEO, Alternative Networks Plc said - “We are really pleased with this acquisition and welcome Scalable into the group. We believe Scalable’s experience will greatly enhance our offering, allowing us to sell more products and converged solutions to an expanded audience”

About Alternative Networks 

Alternative Networks is a leading UK independent business communications service provider. The Company provides a fully converged communications portfolio including fixed line, mobile, voice, data and systems solutions directly to over 4,000 business customers in the SME and small corporate market. 45% of its sales are from mobile solutions, where it is a service provider for Vodafone and O2 and provides the full range of corporate solutions.

Established in 1994, and listed on AIM market in February 2005, AN has a stated twin track strategy of organic and acquisitive growth. Organic growth is fuelled by gaining market share in the larger customers in the SME market, cross-selling new products into its expanding customer base, and minimising customer churn through excellent managed service. Since flotation, the Company has acquired and integrated two significant acquisitions, accounting for approximately 25% of today's revenues. In the last financial year, sales were £90m with profits over £8m, and the Group currently has no debt.  AN has offices in London, Theale and Manchester and currently employs over 400 staff.

About Scalable 

Founded in 1997, Scalable has an enviable reputation as an IP networking and security specialist. We put the intelligence into IP networks; secure, converged, high performance IP networks that are optimised for you now and provide agility for your future. Partnering with Scalable has enabled organisations such as Conde Nast Publications, B&Q and Liverpool Women’s Hospital to drive increased profitability and competitive advantage. We take pride in our unequalled IP expertise, our deep understanding of emerging technologies and our strategic relationships with best-of-breed vendors. Delivering both data centre and campus solutions, we work with you consultatively to assess, design, implement, optimise and support your network, taking a cyclical approach of continuous improvement. For more information please contact us.