Azzurri Communications acquires Virtual Network Operator, Sirocom

Newbury, UK, 02November 2006: Leading business voice and data company Azzurri Communications today announced the acquisition of the UK's fastest growing virtual network operator (VNO), Sirocom. This is Azzurri's biggest purchase to date and the deal confirms Azzurri's position as one of the UK's largest independent voice and data convergence companies with an annual turnover of £150m.

Specialising in the design, implementation and management of networks, Surrey based Sirocom has an annual turnover of £31m and employs 110 staff. Customers such as HSBC, STA Travel, Cadbury Schweppes and BSkyB are seeing drastic improvements in network performance, significant savings in upfront and ongoing operating costs, and most importantly, a network that is highly aligned to the needs of their business at all times.

Martin St Quinton, CEO, Azzurri Communications commented: "Following our own purchase by PPM Capital earlier this year, the focus has been on strong organic growth augmented by potentially larger acquisitions. We wanted to get back on the acquisition trail as soon as possible and the purchase of Sirocom brings with it an excellent client list, including 20% of the FTSE 100 and a market leading virtual network operator offering. This will add tremendous value to Azzurri, giving us unrivalled expertise in the UK converged communication market space and the ability to offer customers one completely managed service from just one communication provider."

Simon Rogan, Founder and Managing Director, Sirocom concluded: "We are delighted to be joining such a well-respected company as Azzurri Communications. The benefits of this acquisition to our customers and staff are very significant - the scale and independence that Azzurri affords us will deliver economies of scale and help deliver increased levels of service. "