CASE STUDY
SERBUS
VALUE CREATION
Background
The journey to create Serbus began in December 2022, when Aliter acquired ITM Communications, an integrated technologies specialist working across IT network infrastructure, with a focus on cabled and wireless network connectivity, converged IP and site technical services. From the outset, the platform’s strategy was to develop a market leading UK wide provider of Critical Network and ICT Infrastructure and Managed Services, building on core areas of capability.
How Aliter has helped
Following our initial investment, we supported the acquisition of two further companies in 2024, both supporting customers across the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Firstly, Bates IT which delivered a wide range of ICT managed and support services, with a core focus on the NHS and healthcare sector. Then we backed the acquisition of Serbus, a secure mobile communications provider, supporting customers across the UK’s CNI, working closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and a range of UK Government departments.
Throughout the process, we also worked closely with the group’s senior leadership team on strategic growth and business development plans, leading to the integration of the three operating companies in early 2026 under a single brand; Serbus.
Strategy
Grow from a regional network infrastructure provider to a multi-regional smart integrated solutions provider and create a broad, diversified customer base across both the public and private sectors. Continue organic growth in critical network infrastructure offerings, with development of the business selectively in both the UK and potentially key international markets.
Differentiate the Serbus brand’s “security DNA”; with foundations built upon the rigorous standards of the UK Special Forces, UK Government, and National Healthcare; this heritage to be embedded in every aspect of the business, with highly cleared teams supporting operations across the most critical, complex environments.
Use established networks and expertise to support organic growth and the further acquisition of additional, complementary businesses.
"Serbus services are embedded across sovereign data, secure facilities, ICT infrastructure, and mobile communications to provide resilient, efficient, and secure operations. We are well positioned to deliver ‘best-in-class’ services, enabling our customers and partners to attain an enhanced level of protection and sovereignty. We are trusted to connect and protect the UK’s critical infrastructure."
Simon Fieldhouse, Group CEO of Serbus
Serbus connects and protects the UK’s most critical national infrastructure services with security at its core.The business builds and maintains secure, highly resilient communications infrastructure for organisations across government, enterprise, health, defence, data centres and industrial sectors.
Delivering end-to-end services, Serbus is committed to strengthening the security and operational resilience of Critical National Infrastructure; providing National Cyber Security Centre approved, sovereign support through cleared, UK-based teams.
Key facts
Sub sector: Critical Network Infrastructure (CNI)
Date of initial investment: December 2022
Revenues: £34 million
Number of employees: 177
HQ: Milton Keynes
Aquisitions:
ITM Communications (2022)
Bates IT (May 2024)
Serbus (November 2024)
Websites:
Serbus
Growth objective:
To build a successful national business by helping customers in the Critical National Infrastructure sector with the delivery, management and maintenance of multi-site, multi-service networks.
