Spectrum Interactive is the UK’s largest independent provider of Wi-Fi and related services with a customer base that includes some of the biggest names in the hospitality, travel and retail sectors, including Premier Inn, Moto, Travelodge, and Radisson Edwardian.
The Board of Spectrum Interactive has agreed terms with Arqiva – the communications infrastructure and media services company – for an offer to acquire 100% of shares for a total cash consideration of £23.4 million.
The deal will enable Arqiva to accelerate its wholesale mobile data business by acquiring a well regarded and sizeable independent Wi-Fi portfolio, providing a highly scalable platform across the market.
Growth in smartphones and mobile enabled devices along with faster download speeds has led to a significant increase in the demand for mobile data services: this demand is forecast to continue to rise yearly by about 65% per annum between 2011 and 2016.
It is intended that all employees of Spectrum Interactive will join Arqiva.
John Cresswell, CEO, Arqiva commenting on the Offer said:
“The acquisition of Spectrum Interactive positions Arqiva as one of the UK’s largest Wi-Fi hotspot providers and uniquely we would be the only wholesale provider with no associated retail service. We are well placed to help define the Wi-Fi space for all UK landlords and business providers, allowing us to individually tailor services for our customers to meet the growing demand for data capacity.”
Nicolas Ott, Managing Director, Government, Mobile and Enterprise, Arqiva commenting on the Offer said:
“The strategic fit of Spectrum with Arqiva is compelling and our customers and business will benefit from the 15,500 access points in over 2,100 premium Wi-Fi locations across hotels, restaurants and leisure outlets as well as airports, airline lounges, motorway service station and public locations on high streets. We can accelerate the roll out of Arqiva’s wholesale mobile data offer, whilst enhancing services provided to Spectrum Interactive’s customers. “
Simon Alberga, Executive Chairman, Spectrum Interactive commenting on the Offer said:
“Spectrum Interactive is a solid business built by our investors, executives and employees, and as an independent player we have created a truly relevant market proposition. Our customers and business will continue to be well served by this acquisition, and Arqiva’s acquisition of Spectrum Interactive will ensure that our organisation will continue to lead and flourish in what is a highly innovative and competitive market.”
The formal announcement of the offer can be obtained from Arqiva’s website: www.arqiva.com/spectrum-offer
About Arqiva
Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets.
The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK’s four mobile network operators, and the emergency services.
About Spectrum Interactive
Based in Hertfordshire, Spectrum Interactive is the UK’s largest independent provider of Wi-Fi and related services. The customer base includes some of the biggest names in the travel, retail and hospitality sectors, such as BAA, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Premier Inn, Moto, Travelodge, Radisson Edwardian and Value Retail.
The fully-managed Wi-Fi service helps clients to keep their customers happy. Designed to give the best possible user experience and running over a highly resilient network, Spectrum’s Wi-Fi helps organisations to attract and retain business, as well as gain a better understanding of their customers in order to make better informed business decisions, add value to their service offerings and increase revenues.
The Spectrum Wi-Fi network handles over 1.7 million user sessions at 2,100 premium locations every month. In addition to Wi-Fi, our solution portfolio also includes other wireless solutions such as digital signage, internet kiosks and public printing services, as well as a nationwide estate of payphones.
For more information, visit www.spectruminteractive.co.uk