The M&A consultants that advised on Arkessa's Dutch deal

UK-based Arkessa has acquired Sim Services, a Dutch company from Roosendaal whichspecialises in connectivity. The deal was supported by professionals from Grant Thornton, Amstone Tax Lawyers, CMS, BarentsKrans, Hogenhouck M&A and ECI Partners.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Having enjoyed a slow start to life, IoT mechanisms are apparently finally passing the ‘tipping point,’ and are making solid contributions to firms who invest in them. For example, a recent study found that 43% of the financial sector now uses IoT to improve its financial systems.

Since 2009, UK based company Arkessa has offered cellular connectivity services worldwide, and is benefitting from the increased uptake in IoT technology. The firm enables users to design, deploy, and manage IoT devices securely, efficiently, and at scale, regardless of the application or business model. With offices in Europe, the UK, and the US, Arkessa serves multiple vertical sectors, both directly and through strategic channel partnerships.

As Arkessa looks to further boost its services for European clients, it has announced the acquisition of Sim Services. The deal for the Netherlands-based connectivity service provider is aimed at building a stronger footprint in the Netherlands, while working toward Arkessa’s goal of helping ‘future proof’ customers’ connections to IoT.

Andrew Orrock, Arkessa’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to welcome the Sim Services team to the Arkessa Group, and we look forward to working together as we continue to drive our international growth in the IoT market.”

Established in 2009, Sim Services is an independent provider of IoT connectivity services. The firm’s efficient support system, short lines of communication, and fast response times, seem to have attracted the attention of Arkessa, which will undoubtedly have seen a cultural fit with Sim Services’ goal of making IoT connectivity easy for its clients.

Sim Services’ Chief Executive Rutger Stekelenburg said of the deal, “Arkessa offers a global footprint for cellular IoT, and its world-leading LPWAN and eUICC capabilities provide a level All-new flexibility and coverage to the markets we currently serve, as well as opening exciting new ones.”

The deal between the Netherlands and UK companies was supported by an array of professional services firms. Grant Thornton professionals Jurgen van Hattum, Henk Brinks and Sofie Verheij provided tax advisory services alongside Dennis Langkemper of Amstone Tax Lawyers.

Financial due diligence was provided by Grant Thornton’s Wilfred van der Lee, Ryno Swanepoel, Adam Azulai, Vincent Bervoets. Meanwhile, M&A advisory work was undertaken by Hogenhouck M&A’s Mark van Beusekom, Maarten van der Heijden and Iris van Weel, and private equity management was supplied by ECI Partners.

Legal advisory work was undertaken by Michiel Martin, Anne-Rieke van der Linden and Thomas van Hövell tot Westervlier of BarentsKrans, and an international team from CMS. Roman Tarlavski and Lisanne van der Velden led the team, comprising of Isabelle van den Hoogen, Bob van Zijl, Elianne Lassooij, Marcel Groenewegen, Wilmy Westerhof in the Netherlands, and Nick Crosbie, Paul Cole and Neil James in CMS London.