ShoreTel snaps up Aussie VoIP provider

ShoreTel has snapped up Australian hosted VoIP specialist M5 Networks for an undisclosed sum, in a move aimed at expanding the vendor's local presence and 'fulfilling a demand for a cloud solution in Australia'.

Don Joos, ShoreTel president and chief executive, says the acquisition of M5 Australia is another step in the hosted phone systems and unified communications vendor's plans to grow its cloud offering outside of the United States.

The company is in an aggressive 'acceleration' phase of growth, expanding its cloud solutions geographically and Joos says the move will fill a demand for a cloud solution in the Australian market, providing the vendor with a hosted voice solution for the region.

"The purchase of M5 Australia will enable us to quickly accelerate our roll-out in the country, leveraging our existing employees and established partner base," Joos says.

 "I'm pleased to welcome the M5 Australia employees to the ShoreTel family.

Richard Ruth, M5 Australia managing director, says the company is happy to become part of ShoreTel so it can expand the reach of its product offerings and create greater opportunities for our employees.

"Australian businesses are very cloud savvy and are eager to buy communication services from proven providers," he adds.

The company, which has offices in Canberra and Melbourne, was established in 2002 and has Cisco and Optus Wholesale as its core technology partners.

The deal is expected to close this quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.