Integrity360 Expands Global Footprint with Acquisition of Grove Group

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its global presence and service offerings, Integrity360 has announced the acquisition of Grove Group, a prominent cyber security and cloud services company based in Cape Town, South Africa. While the financial specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, the implications of this acquisition are poised to be transformative for both companies.

Expanding Customer Base and Service Locations

The acquisition of Grove Group brings approximately 600 additional customers from 51 countries into Integrity360’s portfolio. This influx not only diversifies Integrity360’s client base but also strengthens its operational capabilities by adding another Security Operations Centre (SOC) to its existing network. With this acquisition, Integrity360 now operates five SOCs globally, including facilities in Dublin, Sofia, Stockholm, and Naples. The addition of a SOC in Cape Town will enhance the company’s ability to provide localized support and services to its customers in the region.

Leadership Insights on the Acquisition

Ian Brown, Executive Chairman at Integrity360, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are delighted to be welcoming Grove to Integrity360. The enhanced group significantly expands our existing activities and cyber services across other continents including Africa and the Caribbean in addition to bolstering our existing markets throughout the UK and continental Europe." Brown emphasized that the new regional hub in Cape Town will enable Integrity360 to better serve local customer needs while expanding its already considerable 24/7 SOC operations.

Grove Group: A Proven Track Record

Founded in 2005, Grove Group has established itself as a key player in the cybersecurity landscape, employing approximately 50 people and achieving a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 22% over the past five years. In 2023, the company reported sales of approximately GBP £17 million. The integration of Grove’s operations is expected to significantly boost Integrity360’s annual revenues to around GBP £130 million, up from approximately GBP £85 million in 2022, and increase the combined workforce to over 500 employees.

Grove’s technical support operations are already robust, focusing on leading cybersecurity tools. The new SOC in Cape Town will complement Integrity360’s existing locations, where over 140 dedicated engineers, consultants, and cyber experts provide a range of managed services, including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

Strong Vendor Relationships and Industry Recognition

In addition to its broad customer base, Grove Group has cultivated strong relationships with several leading cybersecurity vendors, including Darktrace, Proofpoint, ESET, and Mimecast. Grove has been recognized for its expertise in the field, having won the "Darktrace Partner of the Year" award for three consecutive years. This accolade will complement Integrity360’s own partnership with Darktrace, which was established earlier in 2024, further enhancing the combined company’s service offerings.

Perspectives from Grove’s Leadership

Pip Witheridge, Founder and Chairman of Grove, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, "I am delighted that Grove is joining Integrity360 and continuing the growth journey that we started some 19 years ago. Thanks to the support of our customers, partners, and employees, Grove has grown and flourished during that time, and I am confident it will continue to do so as part of the Integrity360 group."

James Vinton, CEO of Grove, echoed this sentiment, noting, "The connection between Grove and Integrity360 has developed over an extended period of time, and we could not be more delighted to be joining the group and working closely with Ian and the Integrity360 team over the coming years. I am excited about the future for us as an organization, for our people, and in particular for what the enhanced group can provide our customers and partners moving forward."

Strategic Alignment with Global Expansion Goals

This strategic acquisition aligns seamlessly with Integrity360’s broader global expansion efforts. By integrating Grove into its operations, Integrity360 aims to strengthen its position across various regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, the UK, and continental Europe. The merger will enable both companies to offer a wider array of services and reinforce their collective cybersecurity capabilities, ultimately benefiting their customers and partners.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Grove Group by Integrity360 marks a pivotal moment in the cybersecurity landscape, reflecting the growing importance of global collaboration in addressing complex security challenges. As the combined entity moves forward, it is well-positioned to leverage its expanded resources, expertise, and geographic reach to deliver enhanced cybersecurity solutions to a diverse clientele worldwide. With a shared vision for growth and innovation, Integrity360 and Grove Group are set to redefine the future of cybersecurity services.