According to a filing with the London Stock Exchange, Daisy and TalkTalk have walked away from a deal that would see Daily buying TalkTalk’s direct B2B customer base for £175 million (see Daisy bids for TalkTalk’s direct B2B customers). TalkTalk commented: “TalkTalk and The Daisy Group have jointly agreed not to proceed with the proposed sale of TalkTalk’s direct B2B business, as announced 24 May 2018.”
Instead, Daisy bought up two of its partners: EE direct partner Voice Mobile, a company it has partnered with since 2004 and B2B, voice, mobile, data and video communications reseller to SMEs DV02.
Daisy commented: “Our strategy remains an acquisitive one and through announcements such as this shows a blueprint for other partners who may be seeking to pursue their own exit strategy.” It says its Distribution division will use Voice Mobile to create an EE centre of excellence to operate across the Group, supported by a closer strategic relationship with the network.
Long-standing partner Portsmouth-based DV02 will be used to boost Daisy’s SME base.
In action-packed news from Daisy, its CEO Neil Muller will be moving on to pastures new after 3.5 years at the helm. Matthew Riley will take over managing the firm.
Daisy is still apparently for sale, but hasn’t yet got a deal it’s partial to. According to rumours it has been talking to Bain Capital for some time, but shareholders weren’t tempted by the £1.6 billion offered for the business, preferring to hold out for more.