The deal marks a major strategic leap for M Group as it moves deeper into the technology solutions market and pushes pro forma group turnover to over £3bn.

Warwick-based Telent is a specialist in the design, build, operation and maintenance of the UK’s critical digital infrastructure and turned over £460m last year, generating a £20m profit.

It brings specialist expertise in operational technology, communications, network infrastructure and cyber security.

Telent will now sit alongside M Group’s infrastructure businesses, boosting its offer across key sectors including telecoms, energy, water, and transport, while also opening doors into public sector, defence, emergency services and education markets.

The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval.

Andrew Findlay, chief executive of M Group, said: “This is a hugely transformative deal for M Group.

“We recognise the strength of Telent’s differentiated capabilities, market position and talented people that make it a great business.

“With the acquisition of Telent, M Group will be even better placed to deliver essential infrastructure services for life.”

Telent brings long-standing relationships with blue-chip clients including Network Rail, National Highways, TfL, Openreach, BT, EE and Virgin Media O2.

Jo Gretton, chief executive of Telent, said: “Joining M Group marks an exciting new chapter for Telent, reinforcing our leading position in network and technology solutions.”

The deal is the latest move in M Group’s aggressive growth strategy under private equity owner CVC, which acquired the business in 2023.