NetDef acquired by Belfast MSP

Cheshire-based managed services provider Netdef has been bought by a Belfast-headquartered counterpart Novosco in a seven-figure deal.

IT security solutions firm NetDef services a number of metropolitan police forces, NHS trusts and financial services organisations as well as two Premier League football clubs. Other customers include Warburtons and Village Hotels; while cloud services provider Novosco’s clients include many of the UK’s largest health trusts, universities and housing associations, and some of the largest organisations in Ireland.

Headquartered in Belfast, Novosco also has offices in Manchester, Dublin and Cork.

Dave and Sue Beesley of NetDef with John Lennon and Patrick McAliskey of Novosco at NetDef’s offices in Cheshire

Novosco is using the acquisition to help accelerate s rapid expansion in the English market.

Novosco managing director Patrick McAliskey said: “NetDef is a well-established provider of network and security solutions to some of the UK’s most high-profile organisations, and its expertise and competence have seen it entrusted with data and projects of the utmost public sensitivity.

“Working with Dave Beesley and his expert team will provide Novosco with added scale, and an important new dimension to our service offering as we seek to further grow our business across the UK and Ireland.”

Founded in 1996, NetDef employs 20 staff and has a turnover of more than £4m. The transaction will boost Novosco’s headcount to 140.

NetDef managing director Dave Beesley added: “Novosco is a business that we have long admired, and we felt that there was a very strong cultural alignment between the two companies.

“The complementary expertise that we have will allow us to further enhance and deepen the services that we offer to existing and new clients. We very much look forward to working with Patrick, John and their team.”