Vodafone buys data network provider Complete in push for corporate sector

Vodafone Ireland has acquired Dublin-based data network provider, Complete Telecom for an undisclosed sum.

The deal increases Vodafone’s managed data network solutions capabilities and offerings to the corporate, SME and public sector areas and follows on from its purchase of Dublin-based IP (Internet Protocol) network operator, Interfusion Networks early last year.

Such acquisitions will be used to bolster Vodafone’s new Enterprise Customer Solutions division and position the company as a leading provider of full-scale telecommunications services to the corporate and public sectors. The company’s revenues from this area have jumped by as much as 30% in the past 12 months and the hope is to double revenues, from the new unit.

Vodafone Ireland enterprise director Anne O’Leary said: “Companies want straightforward management of their day-to-day communications needs from one single provider. Complete Telecom is a great fit for us, bringing the scale we need to offer bespoke fixed and mobile converged solutions, while also providing specialist tools to support customers in managing their data traffic.”

Complete — which is a wholly-owned Irish company based in Blanchardstown — will remain trading under its own name for the foreseeable future before transferring to Vodafone’s Enterprise Customer Solutions unit at a later date.

Established in 2001 by managing director Kevin Murphy, Complete Telecom employs 23 people — all of whom will transfer to Vodafone — and has approximately 300 Irish customers. Last year, the company generated revenues of €9m.

Mr Murphy said: “Over the past 11 years, we have gained significant expertise in delivering enterprise network data solutions — in particular to the public sector. We look forward to working with equally experienced teams within Vodafone and Interfusion in order to meet the increasing demand from customers to manage complex enterprise communications.”