Mar 31, 2022

Cello makes statement of intent, acquires Wellington-based Pentech Cello makes statement of intent, acquires Wellington-based Pentech Effective 1 April, all Pentech staff and customers will join the Cello team. Credit: Cello Cello has kicked expansion plans into overdrive with the acquisition of Pentech Communications, taking control of the Wellington-based network specialist to bolster consultancy and services capabilities. Effective 1 April, Reseller News can exclusively reveal that all Pentech staff and customers will join the Cello team with the combined entity taking up residence at new offices on Tory Street in Wellington. Founded in 2007, Pentech goes to market with deep levels of networking expertise, specialising in the delivery of connectivity and communications solutions spanning infrastructure, security and unified communications. “As Cello’s first acquisition, I couldn’t be happier with the fit,” said Mark Jurgeleit, CEO of Cello. “Pentech has a proud record in Wellington, and our team has worked with the team on several mutual customers for a number of years. This adds a consultancy and professional services element that has long been earmarked as a potential area for growth in our business.” As part of the transaction, Ty Kahu will depart as CEO and managing director of Pentech. “I’m delighted we are able to secure the long-term future of Pentech, and its staff and customers, through this opportunity with Cello,” Kahu added. “The businesses are philosophically aligned and I believe the Pentech team will complement the customer-centric approach to the corporate network that Cello clearly exhibits.” Based in Wellington, Cello operates as an enterprise network services specialist supporting more than 400 customers at over 5100 sites nationwide. From a technology standpoint, the business provides a suite of private and public network solutions including WAN, SD-WAN, Internet, LAN, WiFi, security and cloud connectivity services. “Cello has strong growth aspirations, and the addition of Pentech to our growing list of capabilities will strengthen our position in the network consultancy and professional services space,” outlined Andrew Allan , chairman of Cello. Following the transaction -- for an undisclosed price -- Allan remained “open minded” to further acquisitions providing any potential deal “made sense” and was complementary to the Cello value proposition. “Of course we would consider it,” he noted. “This acquisition makes sense for Cello, both financially and culturally. I’m confident both teams will blend their respective capabilities to ensure continuity for Pentech customers in the first instance, and to provide a broader service proposition in the longer term.”