European "Internet specialist"
United Internet has acquired Spanish web host and cloud company
Arsys.
The company, which operates a number of brands including GMX, WEB.DE and Fasthosts, has acquired 100% of Arsys through its 1&1 Internet AG subsidiary. The move underscores the group's intentions to "internationalize" its web hosting and cloud computing operations. The Carlyle Group and Mercapital are supporting the deal and a number of sources have quoted EUR 140 million as the purchasing price. Completion is expected in a matter of days.
United Internet employs over 6,490 people and owns and operates 5 data centers with 70,000 servers. Through its various brands the company caters to a customer base of around 44 million individuals and businesses. The company prides itself on investments in a number of "young" Internet companies. Arsys is a leading Spanish provider catering to around 150,000 customers. The company's revenue is around EUR 40 million annually and it owns and manages two Spanish data centers. The company will maintain independence from United Internet and maintain its current executives and staffing, but assist 1&1 in representing United Internet in the Spanish market.
“Whereas we proved in the past that we can achieve rapid organic growth on the Spanish market, we are now expanding our presence in a second stage with the acquisition of Arsys,” explained United Internet AG's CEO, Ralph Dommermuth. “At the same time, we are strengthening ourselves in Spain with the addition of skilled staff, an established brand, and a large client base.”
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