Ekco expands Azure and SQL Server capabilities with xTEN acquisition

Ekco, a leading European security-first, managed cloud provider, has acquired xTEN, a UK-based company that specialises in Azure and SQL Server.  The deal marks Ekco’s second acquisition in the UK for 2022, having acquired Frontier Technology in March. Ekco has significantly grown its business in Ireland this year with a series of strategic investments in the cyber security space.

xTEN offers a unique hand-built monitoring and alerting system that will be incorporated into the Ekco support model, as well as enhanced automation around Azure patching and automated recommendations to help customers optimise their platforms. This will be rolled out to Ekco’s 3,500 customer base to enhance their service delivery.

“Ekco is excited to welcome xTEN’s specialist, highly skilled team to the group, as their considerable expertise and advanced systems will allow us to meet more of our customers’ Azure needs, delivering  Azure ‘as a Service’ products in-house,” said Adam Bradley, Managing Director for Ekco UK.

Ekco’s relationship with xTEN has been built over the past 18 months, with xTEN assisting with specific customer projects and requirements within Ekco’s UK and Irish businesses. Phil Grayson, Managing Director at xTEN, noted, “As a business, xTEN has been focused on enhancing our internal systems to ensure consistent and high-quality service for our customers. Joining the Ekco group enables us to grow quickly yet still retain our high standards. Importantly, we can also give our engineers the autonomy they need to provide a tailored service, often improving response times, updates and security, while reducing complexity and cost. Our customers will also benefit significantly from the expert knowledge of the many specialists across the Ekco group.”

xTEN is one of a number of acquisitions Ekco has made this year to bolster its cybersecurity and managed cloud offering throughout its 17 locations in Europe.  Ekco’s growth strategy has led to a 97% increase in its revenue this year, with the company now employing over 600 people, up from a team of 35 in 2018. Most of its recent acquisitions have been pure play cybersecurity companies, with others focusing on cloud and security.  xTEN is Ekco’s first pure play cloud acquisition this year, answering to a specific need in the market.

xTEN’s customer focus is well aligned with Ekco’s culture. “Ekco’s differentiator is our people,” explained Bradley.  “We ensure that anyone we employ in the business is a good fit within the team, and that they have an intrinsic desire to ensure the customers are supported. We invest heavily in our teams with training and resources to help them further their careers, to ensure we retain talent. To support this focus, Ekco UK has recently hired a new Head of People to hone in on staff retention, training and recruitment.”

Ekco looks set for more growth and success in 2023, with Corten Capital, a London-based fund that invests in entrepreneur-led B2B technology platforms, becoming its majority shareholder in October this year.

“Corten’s backing will allow us to continue to expand our range of services and our expert team through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Technology is continually evolving, which means that it’s becoming more and more necessary for companies to have one provider who can be their trusted advisor, meeting all of their technology needs,” concluded Bradley.

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