FluidOne snaps up managed SD-WAN player SAS Global Communications

This year is already starting in the same way that 2021 did, with consolidation in the channel starting early as players move to add more products and services to their offerings.

Last January saw deals from Sapphire Systems and Charterhouse being struck in the first couple of weeks and now cloud solution provider FluidOne has got the ball rolling this year with a move to pick up SAS Global Communications.

The deal will give FluidOne access to a managed SD-WAN specialist that serves 150 customers from more than 65 countries and focuses on customers that employ more than 1,000 staff.

SAS specialises in designing, deploying and managing SD-WAN hybrid networks and has a strong relationship with Cisco and staff that can support a range of technologies, including LAN, Wi-Fi, WAN, SD-WAN, SASE and App Dev.

The deal also supports FluidOne’s ambition to become the leading provider of connected cloud solutions across the UK, and builds on its previous acquisition of PSU Business Technology in October 2020, which beefed up the managed services and unified comms capabilities.

Russell Horton, CEO of FluidOne, said he already had knowledge of the SAS business and the process of buying the firm had confirmed that it would be a positive fit and would build on its SD-WAN relationships with Fortinet and VMWare.

“Through the acquisition process, we have met key members of their team and referenced their top clients, and been really impressed with their experience, values and the level of service delivered,” said Horton.

“With their strength in serving larger mid-market and enterprise customers and complementary services, the FluidOne board and I saw a great fit to our connected cloud solutions strategy, broadening the offering to our combined customers.

“Both businesses have services that will benefit each other’s customers, and we have already started working together on joint opportunities.”

In response, SAS’s main shareholder and founder, Stephen Stanway, said it was time for the business he started in 1989 to begin a fresh chapter.

“Having developed the business for over 30 years, I am immensely proud of my team and what we have achieved together, creating a high-quality business with loyal, experienced staff and happy customers,” he said. “When I met with Russell and the FluidOne board to discuss the potential of SAS joining FluidOne, I could see a strong alignment in staff culture, values and how both businesses always seek to put the customers first.”

SAS Global Communications chairman Colin Mattey added that FluidOne recginised it could deliver improved services to customers and grow the business through the deal.

“Our teams are already working on joint bids, including offering cyber security services from CSA to complement our hybrid-network solutions,” he said. “The SAS management team have been working on joint strategy planning with the FluidOne team and we can see that there is a great fit for the future of SAS customers and staff.”