Business ISP Onecom Acquires UK Broadband and VoIP Provider Gradwell

Business cloud, IT and telecoms provider Onecom, which is backed by private equity firm LDC, has today announced that they’ve acquired rival UK internet provider Gradwell Communications for an undisclosed sum – the company’s thirteenth acquisition since 2020.

This acquisition affords Onecom additional capability through its direct and channel teams, as well as further geographic reach via Gradwell’s Bath and Leeds offices, and the addition of an established customer base. This acquisition “presents numerous strategic benefits and opportunities for customers“, said Onecom’s announcement.

Onecom may also benefit from Gradwell’s solution portfolio, which includes its own business-hosted voice system (Wave) and SIP network, as well as unified communications solutions leveraging 3CX and Microsoft Teams, along with connectivity.

Darren Ridge, CEO of Onecom Group, said:

“The acquisition of Gradwell Communications is highly complementary to our ongoing expansion and diversification strategy. Both organisations share strongly aligned values and cultures, with an obsession for delivering simply brilliant customer experiences and providing solutions that deliver real benefits and demonstrable, outcome-based value to our customers. Gradwell’s reputation for delivering exceptional communication and hosted voice solutions, and customer service aligns perfectly with our ethos and strong customer-centric approach.

The pedigree of the team, coupled with their excellent customer base, makes this acquisition a logical step for Onecom in scaling up its capability and fortifying its diversified market presence. The inclusion of Gradwell into the Onecom family extends our service offerings to our direct customers and through Onecom Partners and underpins our commitment to deliver comprehensive communication solutions across the UK.

We are delighted to welcome the Gradwell team into the Onecom Group.”

Jamie Ward, CEO of Gradwell, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve built at Gradwell, and joining forces with Onecom marks an exciting new chapter. From our very first conversations, it was clear that our cultures are closely aligned – both businesses are driven by innovation, a commitment to excellence, and a shared belief in putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. This acquisition creates new opportunities to deliver even greater value and service to our customers, and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Onecom employs over 700 people in offices around the UK and counts Vodafone, Zoom, Gamma, Five9, Microsoft, Google, HPE Aruba and ThreatDown, among others, as its strategic partners. By comparison Gradwell is a smaller business and is currently home to around 100 employees.

Onecom was advised by Shoosmiths and K3 Tax Advisory for transaction support, while Acuity Advisors, RSM and Marriott Harrison advised Gradwell Communications Ltd.