London-listed NCC weighs sale of cybersecurity arm

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 17:29

By Mark Kleinman, City editor

NCC Group, the London-listed technology group, has kicked off a strategic review that could entail a sale of both of its remaining divisions.

Sky News has learnt that NCC has engaged bankers at Rothschild to examine options for its cybersecurity arm, with a sale among the possible options being considered.

Money latest: Inflation jumps by more than expected

Sources close to the situation said that bulking up the unit through acquisitions or streamlining costs were also under examination, with the process still at an early stage.

A sale of the cybersecurity arm, which provides services to major corporate customers, would effectively precipitate a full break-up of NCC Group as it continues to hold talks with prospective buyers of its other main subsidiary.

In April, Sky News revealed that NCC was being circled by private equity firms interested in acquiring Escode, which specialises in software escrow and verification services, in a deal worth up to £400m.

NCC subsequently confirmed the talks and said last month that discussions - thought to include Montagu Private Equity and Bridgepoint - were ongoing.

Read more from Sky News:
Chancellor considering 'changes' to ISAs
Most important part of Reeves's speech was what wasn't said
HMRC doesn't know how many billionaires pay tax in the UK

It was unclear on Wednesday whether it had been approached by prospective buyers of the cybersecurity division.

NCC employs about 2,200 people across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Shares in NCC Group closed on Wednesday modestly higher at 141.6p, giving the company a market valuation of about £444m.

NCC declined to comment.

Sky News

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Business

Jobless rate hits four-year high - but makes interest rate cut more likely

The UK's unemployment rate has risen to a four-year high, in a surprise deterioration that boosts the case for a Bank of England interest rate cut.
Black Tap's Stephen Parker says celebrity chefs are worst thing to happen to food industry and reveals key to great burgers

Every week, we interview top chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks, views on the industry and more. This week, we speak to Stephen Parker, corporate executive chef at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers...
Jaguar Land Rover to cut hundreds of UK jobs

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has revealed plans to cut 500 jobs as it tries to save costs while battling a sharp decline in sales.
More than half of UK airports have hiked 'kiss and fly' drop-off fees - here's the full list

More than half of UK airports have introduced or increased their drop-off fees in the past year, RAC research has found.
Inflation jumps to 3.6% on fuel and food price pressures

The rate of inflation has risen by more than expected on the back of fuel and food price pressures, according to official figures which have prompted accusations of an own goal for the chancellor.
Guinness owner Diageo parts ways with boss after tough two years

The chief executive of Diageo has left by "mutual agreement" after a tough two years at the helm of the FTSE 100 drinks firm.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves considering 'changes' to ISAs - and says there's too much focus on 'risk' in investing

The chancellor has confirmed she is considering "changes" to ISAs - and said there has been too much focus on the "risk" of consumers investing.
Reproductive health benefits start-up Fertifa swoops on rival Juniper

A reproductive health start-up run by one of Britain's most prominent venture capitalists has swooped on one of its peers amid growing demand from large companies for the provision of fertility and other sexual health-related benefits to their workforces.