M Group has announced the acquisition of Telent, a provider of operational technology and digital solutions for critical national infrastructure across the UK and Ireland.

On completion of the transaction, M Group says it will be even better placed to tackle the evolving challenges of the ageing infrastructure across the UK and Ireland, combining M Group’s infrastructure service offering with Telent’s technology and digital solution capabilities.

The deal will boost M Group’s ability to deliver integrated solutions across the telecom, transport, water and energy sectors. It also expands M Group’s reach into other sectors such as public sector, defence, emergency services and education.

Bringing Telent into the M Group business will strengthen longstanding relationships with shared customers including Transport for London (TfL), National Highways, Network Rail, Virgin Media O2, BT, EE and Openreach.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Andrew Findlay, chief executive of M Group, said: “This is a hugely transformative deal for M Group and I am delighted Telent is joining us.

“We recognise the strength of Telent’s differentiated capabilities, market position and talented people that make it a great business. With the acquisition of Telent, M Group will be even better placed to deliver essential infrastructure services for life.

“Our ambitious growth strategy reflects a combination of organic and inorganic growth and this acquisition builds on our strong track record of strategic M&A.

“It will enable us to deliver even greater value and expertise to our clients and so help the people, communities and economies of the UK and Ireland adapt to a changing world.”

Jo Gretton, chief executive of Telent, added: “Joining M Group marks an exciting new chapter for Telent, reinforcing our leading position in network and technology solutions.

“Telent is a business with a long trading heritage and an excellent reputation. With M Group’s extensive infrastructure expertise and scale, we are well placed to accelerate our growth and continue to be a trusted partner for organisations at the forefront of the digital revolution.”

M Group delivers infrastructure services across water, energy, rail and aviation, highways and telecom, to private and public sector organisations across the UK and Ireland. It employs more than 11,000 people, across 200 locations.

Earlier this month it announced a corporate rebrand, unifying its various businesses as M Group.