Scott McEwan, CE of Boston Networks
Boston Networks has completed the acquisition of 2020 Vision Systems as it accelerates its plans for UK growth.
The purchase of North Shields-based 2020, for an undisclosed sum, is the latest step in an overall strategy to enable Boston Networks to improve the performance safety and security of buildings, campuses and cities.
The management team at 2020, which has grown over the last 25 years will continue to manage the business, working with Boston Networks CEO Scott McEwan and Boston’s executive management team.
The deal, which brings the staff count of the overall Boston Group to 170, is the second acquisition since investment fund Aliter Capital acquired a major stake in Boston Networks in January this year.
The first, in April, was that of PEL Services – a London-based sound, life safety, security and audio visual (AV) company.
Scott McEwan, Boston Networks CEO, said: “We look forward to leveraging 2020’s many years of experience of working in key areas of critical physical security, which will help us to drive towards the next phase of our growth as we continue to focus on applying technology to improve the performance, safety and security of people, buildings and assets. In particular this acquisition further deepens our services in the further education sector, enhances our existing security offering through the cloud platform and significantly spreads our geographic coverage.”
Peter Houlis, 2020 Vision Systems managing director, who is exiting the company but who will continue as a consultant, said: “I believe the partnership between 2020 and Boston Networks, with the support of Aliter, gives the company a major platform for growth in the years ahead.”
Greig Brown, Partner of Aliter Capital and Chairman of Boston Networks said: “2020 Vision Systems is a great addition and excellent fit for the Boston Group. In addition to the complementary solutions offering and strong management team, it is a significant step forward in our plan to create a national provider of integrated life safety, security and networking services, in key sectors, specifically targeting mid-market UK-based Blue-Chip companies.”
