Azzurri has snapped up virtual network operator Sirocom. Newbury-based Azzurri, a fixed and mobile voice consultancy and provider, is backed by financial organization PPM Capital and is an aggressive acquirer of companies.

The deal, which is for an unspecified amount, will mean that Azzurri's voice experience will be allied to Sirocom's data expertise.

Sirocom managing director, Simon Rogan confirmed that the companies were an excellent fit. "They had skills in the traditional voice, VOIP and mobility areas that we didn't have and they were looking for a company that had traditional WAN skills. Rogan said that because the two companies fitted well, he didn't envisage redundancies.

Rogan said that while Sirocom had made good progress, its size was preventing the company developing further, "We had two options; to get funding and do it ourselves or to seek a partner". He added that when the company was approached by Azzurri, it seemed like a good fit.

Martin St Quinton, the CEO of Azzurri said that the strength of Sirocom's customer base and its reputation in the VNO market were prime motivations for the acquisition. He said the deal would "add tremendous value to Azzurri, giving us unrivalled expertise in the UK converged communication market space and the ability to offer customers one completely managed service from just one communication provider."

For Rogan, the acquisition is endorsement of Sirocom's virtual network approach. "Everyone's going virtual these days. Even BT is becoming more virtual-like. Carriers are realizing that they can't go it alone -- networks are not an afterthought but an integral part of business, To provide the best managed infrastructure, you need a mix of carriers, technologies and a lot of flexibility."