Boston Networks acquires 2020 Vision Systems as it steps up growth plans

Boston Networks, the Glasgow-based smart integrated solutions business, has completed the acquisition of 2020 Vision Systems for an undisclosed sum as it accelerates its ambitious plans for UK growth.

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2020 is a specialist in IP-enabled security technology, video surveillance, access control and converged security solutions, and has a particularly strong presence in NE England and the Midlands, including a satellite office in Birmingham.

The management team at 2020, which has grown over the last 25 years into a security provider of choice for public and private sector organisations in many sectors including education, health, local government, utilities and transportation, will continue to manage the business, working closely 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 specialist investment fund Aliter Capital acquired a major stake in Boston Networks in January this year.

Boston, established in 2000, is an integrated technologies specialist working across IT network infrastructure, with a focus on IoT, life safety, security and smart building solutions.

Glasgow and London-based Aliter, is working with Boston to deliver organic growth and to target complementary bolt-on acquisitions.

The first of these acquisitions, in April, was that of PEL Services Ltd – a London-based sound, life safety, security and audio visual (AV) solutions company with a national coverage across a broad range of private and public-sector customers.

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.”

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