ProLabs has joined forces with a US provider of compatible network connectivity products as part of a new group launched by its private equity backer. Inflexion Private Equity completed its investment in the UK-based compatible transceiver supplier in June 2017, and has now announced the launch of Halo Technology as a global vendor of optical transceivers.
With experience in collaborating globally, ProLabs has existing partnerships with distributors all over the world. It brings this experience to the group, which also includes AddOn Computer Peripherals, a California-based business acquired in a transaction backed by Inflexion in November. Operating under the Halo umbrella, both companies will retain their existing brands.
Halo will serve blue-chip customers with optical transceivers from its supply facilities and sales offices in the US, Europe and Asia (see Compatibles to remember). This market is estimated to be worth $6 billion globally and has predicted growth of 10 per cent per annum as faster and higher-capacity networks are rolled out to accommodate increasing demand for data.
Tim Smallbone, head of enterprise at Inflexion, commented: ‘We are very excited to have created the Halo Technology group within six months of partnering with ProLabs. This transaction demonstrates the capacity of our Enterprise Fund to provide the firepower to support transformative transactions and create market leading businesses. With over 50 bolt-on acquisitions completed this year, Inflexion is well placed to assess the market for further suitable opportunities for Halo.’
Stewart Holness, executive chairman of Halo added: ‘We are looking forward to working with the Inflexion team to continue to optimise our supply chain and grow internationally. We were impressed with Inflexion’s track record in this space, and believe that the firm’s presence in Asia and South America, as well as its digital capability will be very valuable as we scale the business. We are confident that Inflexion’s support can help us to cement our global market leadership position with a diverse customer base across the telecoms carrier and reseller markets.’
