TalkTalk Business and ARO to merge, forming a £200m UK tech services powerhouse

TalkTalk Business and UK technology services provider ARO have agreed to join forces, creating a new company projected to earn about £200 million a year and to serve more than 70,000 corporate customers. The merger will combine TalkTalk Business’s extensive small-business portfolio with ARO’s enterprise clientele, with fixed-line, mobile and connectivity services expected to account for roughly £130 million of revenue.

IT, cybersecurity and cloud offerings will complement the core communications business. Analysts see the deal as a cross-sell opportunity, given the limited overlap in customers and product lines. The companies declined to disclose the new brand name or leadership, but executives highlighted the partnership’s potential to boost innovation and service delivery. The transaction awaits clearance under the UK’s National Security and Investment Act and is slated to close by the end of summer.