New chapter opens for Sundown after strategic sale

A major new tech business has been created following the sale of Lancashire headquartered technology consultancy Sundown Solutions.

The strategic acquisition of Sundown, based at Time Technology Park in Simonstone, was carried out by Ancoris, a Google-dedicated, AI and data problem solving business headquartered in Bracknell.

The two companies have now merged and launched a new business called Telena, providing AI, data, software development and cloud engineering services.

Telana holds partnerships with Microsoft and Google Cloud. The merger move was backed by Beech Tree Private Equity, based in Birmingham.

No figure has been put on the Sundown sale. No jobs have been lost and there are no plans to close any offices following the deal.

Announcing the move, Telana said the deal was focused on “growth and scale”. The new business has a 100-strong workforce.

Husband and wife team Heath and Kelly Groves set up Sundown in 2009 and as a digital transformation specialist it has worked with SMEs, blue-chips and government bodies, helping them exploit technology to improve performance.

Chief executive Heath will take on a co-chief executive role in Telana for the first three months before moving to run its defence and public sector arm as managing director. He will also be a board member.

A Telena spokesperson said: “This is a key market for us moving forward.”

Heath said: “For years, Sundown has built its reputation on delivering secure, automated, and compliant cloud infrastructure and managed services on Microsoft Azure.

“Now, as part of Telana, we’re excited to extend that same level of trust and expertise to Google Cloud customers as well.

“This partnership not only broadens our reach but also enhances our ability to support existing Microsoft-focused clients in exploring innovation opportunities.”

He described the deal as an “incredible opportunity” for staff to “grow, develop and work with diverse technologies that enhance their skills and expertise”.

And he added: “By coming together under Telana, we’re gaining new team members, expanding our technology portfolio, and welcoming fresh customers and partners.”

Andre Azevedo, chief executive of Telana, said: “The technology services market has evolved, and customers need partners who can deliver real business value across different technology stacks.

“Telana is setting the standard by offering both innovative and foundational capabilities. Our mission is to apply technology in a way that drives tangible business success.”

He added: “I've always admired Sundown’s ability to deliver secure, compliant, and high-performance solutions. Now, as Telana, we can take this expertise to a broader audience, solving more complex challenges for our customers.”

Beech Tree Private Equity director Luke Burns said: “Both businesses have leading capabilities in their respective industries, and together, now creates a powerful combination in Telana that will offer significant incremental expertise to the combined customer base.

“We have got to know the Sundown team well over the last few years and we're incredibly excited to be working with them as part of Telana's growth journey.”