Mitel Completes Unify Acquisition, Creating 'Global Powerhouse' in UC

In a move that Mitel says creates a “global powerhouse in unified communications (UC), the company has completed its Unify acquisition. Unify is the UCC services businesses of the Atos group.

The transaction cements the combined company with a No. 2 position in global market share for enterprise UC, and increased regional leadership with a No. 1 position in EMEA and more than 10 individual countries, according to Mitel.

Mitel also extends its position as the “global market leader” in multi-cell digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT), in addition to securing the “market-leading position” for DECT in EMEA, Latin America and 19 countries, it said.

Together with Unify, Mitel now has a combined customer base of more than 75 million users in over 100 countries and an expanded community of more than 5,500 resellers, service providers, technology and strategic alliance partners to help even more organizations modernize and adapt their communications capabilities.

Tarun Loomba, Mitel’s president and CEO, will serve as president and CEO of the combined company. Marcus Hänsel, Unify‘s CEO, has been appointed chief sales officer, and will lead Mitel’s sales and services functions globally.

Mitel’s Tarun Loomba

“This is a transformative milestone for the Mitel and Unify teams and for the broader communication and collaboration industry,” Loomba said. “Unify brings a strong geographic footprint, rich portfolio, deep enterprise expertise and talented team that perfectly complement Mitel’s strengths. I am truly excited about the future we will build together and the critical communications innovation we will deliver for our customers, partners and employees.”

Unify Acquisition ‘Significant Milestone’

Anurag Agrawal, founder and chief global analyst at Techaisle, said this merger is a “significant milestone for the communication and collaboration industry.”

Techaisle’s Anurag Agrawal

“The company is now actively combining go-to-market processes, portfolio road maps and organizational structures to create a world-class set of offerings and programs,” he said.

Blair Pleasant, COMMfusion‘s president and principal analyst, said she’s glad Unify “finally found a good home.”

“This gives Mitel managed services offerings and a way to move upmarket,” she said.

COMMfusion’s Blair Pleasant

Mitel is adding Unify’s voice platforms, collaboration and contact center products, devices and endpoints, and associated intellectual property to its portfolio. Additionally, the combined company will be able to deliver greater value for customers in core verticals such as health care, public sector, hospitality and financial services through specialized vertical solutions and integration capabilities.

The Unify acquisition also brings a managed services business and experience helping large enterprise customers digitally transform their communications environment. The addition complements Mitel’s “history of success” in the midmarket, allowing the combined company to effectively serve enterprises of all sizes and accelerate growth, Mitel said.

Resellers and strategic technology partners of Mitel and Unify can expect a smooth transition, with little to no change anticipated this year according to Mitel. As the integration unfolds, establishing unified partner and alliance programs that deliver “meaningful value” for partners is a top priority.

Mitel expects to share its vision for integrated portfolio and partner programs in early 2024.