Celerity acquires Ranger4 in automation & AI push

Celerity has acquired Ranger4, adding an IBM AI and automation software specialist to the BGF-backed IT services provider.

Founded in 2011, Ranger4 focuses on IBM automation and AI software, alongside consultancy on ways of working, FinOps and organisational readiness. The acquisition is part of Celerity's expansion in automation and AI.

The deal also brings Ranger4's two key directors into Celerity's leadership team for that part of the business. Malcolm Namey and Steve Green will remain with the company and lead the Automation and AI Sales Team.

Celerity operates in hybrid cloud and managed IT services. Adding Ranger4 broadens its offering with automation, cost management and AI-based performance insight across hybrid IT environments.

The acquisition comes as Celerity continues a growth strategy backed by BGF. Since receiving that investment in 2021, it has expanded through new services, partnerships and acquisitions.

It has also recently appointed David Stokes and Stephen Leonard as board advisers to support mergers and acquisitions activity and wider growth plans.

Craig Aston, chief executive of Celerity, set out the rationale for the deal.

"It's fantastic to announce our acquisition of Ranger4 as we continue to create value and scale for our clients and team. Ranger4 is an ideal culture and capability fit for Celerity, and the team has built an impressive client list. This is another significant milestone for Celerity as we invest in expanding our Automation and AI Sales Team, and we're energised by the growth potential of this and our wider business in the years ahead," he said.

Growth push

Founded in 2002, Celerity has built its business around cybersecurity, data protection and data visualisation services. The purchase of Ranger4 extends that portfolio further into software-led automation and AI services tied to IBM technology.

For customers, the move adds to Celerity's existing cyber-resilient infrastructure offering, with a stronger focus on cost efficiency and operational performance in complex hybrid estates, where businesses often run applications and data across a mix of on-premises systems and cloud platforms.

Ranger4 has built a reputation in IBM's ecosystem for helping organisations manage costs and service outcomes through automation. Its consulting work has focused on helping clients adopt tools and operating models that support customer service levels and performance targets.

That specialism appears to have been a key attraction for Celerity as it seeks to deepen its advisory and software-led services alongside its managed infrastructure business.

Malcolm Namey described the deal as the next stage in Ranger4's development.

"This is a natural next step for Ranger4. We have built a focused, high-impact business, and joining Celerity gives us the platform to scale that capability much faster. Together, we can deliver greater value to clients and take what we have created to a much bigger market," he said.

Steve Green also explained why Ranger4 chose to join the larger group.

"Organisations are changing the way they consume and acquire technology. Celerity absolutely gets that and is showing real market leadership through its investments to make sure it is the go-to partner in this space, making Celerity the perfect home for us," he said.