Blaze Networks acquired by Communicate Technology

IT managed services provider Blaze Networks has been sold to private equity-backed Communicate Technology in a transaction advised on by KBS Corporate Finance.

Macclesfield-based Blaze is a security-focused communications and SD-WAN specialist which commenced trading in 2002, operated by two brothers, Ben Brassington and Simon Brassington.

Following its sale to Communicate Technology, backed by Rockpool, Blaze will continue to operate under managing director Ben Brassington.

Blaze’s technical capabilities in designing and implementing multi-site, software-defined networking solutions will play a key role in expanding Communicate’s service portfolio, supporting organisations that require high-performance, secure connectivity across distributed environments.

“Joining Communicate presents a fantastic opportunity for Blaze Networks to accelerate its growth while continuing to deliver the high-quality solutions our customers rely on,” said Ben Brassington.

“By integrating with Communicate, we can offer an even more comprehensive service while also providing our team with exciting new career development opportunities. Having reinvested in the group, I am fully committed to this next phase of expansion.”

Communicate was founded in 2011 and operates its own fibre network infrastructure, providing comprehensive cyber security and IT managed services. The Teesside-based company secured private equity investment in June 2024 from Rockpool and is now on course to nearly triple its turnover to a projected £17million in 2025.

“Bringing Blaze Networks into the Communicate group significantly strengthens our ability to offer cutting-edge, secure IT solutions,” commented Tony Snaith, Communicate’s CEO.

“Their expertise complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to provide businesses with seamless, scalable and highly secure network architectures. This acquisition is not only about expanding our service offering, it’s also about creating real value for customers and fostering professional growth for our team as we continue to scale.”

The shareholders of Blaze Networks were advised by George Dalton and Mughees Saleem of KBS Corporate Finance.

George commented: “Si and Ben have built an incredibly successful business in Blaze, a specialist in its marketplace through its expert offerings in SD-WAN and SASE. The business is an exceptional solution provider, creating scalability for customers running multi-site operations.

“From early in the process, we could establish there were clear cross-selling opportunities in partnering with Communicate Technology. Through the backing and support from Rockpool, Blaze continues into an exciting new chapter in its journey.”

The shareholders expressed their gratitude for the services provided by KBS Corporate Finance, with Ben Brassington commenting: “George and Mughees took the time to understand our business thoroughly and worked diligently in finding the right investment partner that would allow Blaze to prosper under new ownership.

“They were on hand to assist us throughout the process, providing relevant knowhow and guidance on all transaction-related matters and we are thankful for their expert advice and support during this deal.”