Aliter unites trio as Serbus to drive UK security push

Aliter Capital has consolidated three technology businesses under a single brand, Serbus, as it targets growth in UK critical national infrastructure security and communications.

The private equity firm said the group combines ITM Communications, Bates IT and the original Serbus business. The newly branded Serbus said it aims to reach £75m in revenue within 24 months. It also plans to pursue further acquisitions alongside organic growth.

Serbus said the group works across secure infrastructure and communications, alongside security expertise drawn from government and healthcare settings. It said the market has shifted as organisations respond to state-backed and industrial threats.

Group structure

The consolidation brings together three businesses with different sector footprints. ITM Communications operates in infrastructure and communications. Bates IT has a healthcare focus. Serbus said the original Serbus business draws on "Special Forces heritage" and operational security work.

The group said it operates across three UK office locations and at multiple customer sites. It said the combined workforce is growing, without providing a headcount.

Serbus positioned the integration as a move away from what it described as standard connectivity work. It said customers now demand "secure-by-design" infrastructure. It referenced guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre on resilient infrastructure and security practices.

Acquisition plans

Aliter Capital described itself as a "buy and build" specialist. Serbus said it would continue to look for acquisitions that expand its market reach and geographic presence. It did not name specific targets or provide a timetable for deals.

The UK market for security services linked to critical national infrastructure has seen increased attention from investors and suppliers in recent years. Government departments and regulators have tightened expectations around cyber security, supply chain risk and operational resilience for organisations that support essential services.

Serbus said its work spans sovereign data, secure facilities, ICT infrastructure and mobile communications. It also said it uses "highly cleared teams" that operate in sensitive environments.

Simon Fieldhouse, Group CEO, Serbus, linked the rebrand to a broader security environment. "The UK is facing an evolving and escalating threat landscape. To ensure resilience across UK critical services, organisations must protect multiple layers of operational & communications infrastructure throughout their design, installation, management, and maintenance of critical services. Serbus services are embedded across sovereign data, secure facilities, ICT infrastructure, and mobile communications to provide resilient, efficient, and secure operations," said Simon Fieldhouse, Group CEO, Serbus.

Customer focus

Serbus said it serves customers across government, health, defence, data centres and industrial sectors. It said it offers end-to-end services across the lifecycle of infrastructure and communications systems.

The group described its approach as based on "security DNA" and pointed to standards from UK Special Forces, UK Government and the National Healthcare environment. It said this heritage shapes its operations and the way teams deliver services.

Fieldhouse said the consolidation under a single name sets a platform for the next stage of growth.

"By bringing our three companies together as Serbus, 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," said Fieldhouse.

Serbus said it will continue to recruit and integrate operations across its sites as it pursues organic expansion and further acquisitions during the next 24 months.