Following on plans to expand its European footprint, Australia’s biggest telco has closed the acquisition of Company85, a London-based IT services and consulting firm.

Company85 offers advice and project management relating to data centers, cloud, security, and networking, as well as an automated data center migration service. Its customers include the BBC, the NHS, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, London City Airport and the Royal Mail.

Everybody needs company

“Company85’s offering is strongly aligned to the existing suite of technology consulting services we offer our Australian customers, and is consistent with the strategic investments we have made in Australia. Importantly, it aligns with our strategy to grow our services business in regions that are key hubs for multinational corporations,” said Christopher Smith, executive director of business technology services at Telstra.

“As organizations look to digitize their business, whether it’s to expand into new markets, create new products or improve efficiency, they are increasingly seeking integrated solutions for their network, security and cloud infrastructure, as well as advice on how to implement and manage these.”

Telstra has sought to make international acquisitions for some time, hoping to grow its services business. In 2015, the company bought Hong Kong-based telco Pacnet for $700m, and last year it invested in Chinese cloud services provider Quiniu, and in Cognevo, an analytics based business security software belonging to New Zealand’s Wynard Group.

In April last year Telstra launched its Cloud Gateway, the connectivity service that allows access to public cloud platforms through the company’s own fiber.

Telstra has also recently struck a deal with Google, AARNet, Indosat Ooredoo, Singtel and SubPartners to build a 9,000km cable submarine network from Singapore to Indonesia and Australia.