South Africa-based web hosting company HostAfrica has confirmed its merge with Greycell CC, trading as AmpleHosting.co.za, and its multi-million Rand acquisition of the hosting market specialist company.
Effective from 1 September 2019, the deal opens the three-year-old company to additional human capital, suppliers, domains, technical equipment and customers. This is not HostAfrica’s first acquisition“ In December 2016, the company acquired VPS Networks to strengthen its cloud focus.
AmpleHosting.co.za has 15 years’ experience in pure web hosting, and an established base of 3,500 customers. The company specialises in easy initiation and integration of domains “using software that allows customers meticulous control of their websites and services.”
HostAfrica is focused on cloud and virtual private server solutions across multiple operating systems, with servers based both locally and internationally.
It competes with domains.co.za, Xneelo (previously Hetzner) and 1-Grid.
HostAfrica says it is difficult for small enterprises to compete against multinational corporations that use their substantial amount of resources to dominate the South African hosting market.
“Right now, the market is fragmented with many small hosting companies who cannot make significant waves, stay relevant or keep up with rapid advancement in technology. Joining forces and expertise with other companies, as well as ensuring delivery of unparalleled customer service will increase our competitiveness. HostAfrica pursues a clear buy-and-build strategy. We carefully evaluated the hosting market for formidable partners that would strengthen our position in the hosting market. We reached out to AmpleHosting and opened discussions for mutual benefit. It was in both our best interests to unify and move forward stronger,” the company stated.
AmpleHosting does not offer VPS/Cloud solutions to its customers, only web hosting.
Following this acquisition, AmpleHosting customers will eventually gain access to HostAfrica’s products such as Linux Virtual Private Hosting, Linux Cloud Hosting, Windows Cloud Hosting, VPS Reselling, as well as new products at HostAfrica such as WordPress Hosting and Acronis Backups.
In the short term, according to information supplied, the AmpleHosting.co.za website will be updated with HostAfrica branding, and its customer portal integrated, along with technical support and 24/7 monitoring.
The companies also promise improved customer support and longer service hours.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to combine our expertise and move forward stronger” says Graham Paine, chief executive officer of Greycell CC.
Mr Paine will become a partner of HostAfrica and Head of Product Management.
Michael Osterloh, Founder and Managing Director of HostAfrica, as well as the owner of CLOUD.co.za and VPS.co.za, says “We believe joining forces will stimulate the hosting industry and increase competition. HostAfrica has grown considerably in size and experience over the last three years. We intend to keep driving this momentum forward. We have more strategic partnerships and acquisitions planned that we believe will also be future successes.”
About HostAfrica
HostAfrica is a trusted web hosting provider offering cloud, VPS, and shared hosting solutions to businesses across Africa. Its product range includes domains, website hosting, online backups, security solutions, and reseller services designed to support businesses of all sizes.
Since launching in 2008, HostAfrica has expanded through strategic growth and acquisitions, bringing together a portfolio of leading hosting brands under the Host Africa (Pty) Ltd group.
Source: ITWeb Africa
Related posts and guides
If this acquisition announcement was helpful, these related updates provide more context on HostAfrica’s growth strategy, South African acquisitions, and broader expansion:
- SA’s HostAfrica expands with two more acquisitions
- SA’s HostAfrica acquires Divine Online Solutions
- HostAfrica acquires VPS Networks as it continues to roll out its growth strategy in the South African Hosting Market
- South Africa’s HostAfrica acquires Cape-based Clickworks Internet
- HostAfrica acquires Nigerian web hosting company, DomainKing
