Fasthosts - the Gloucestershire-based internet firm that brags that it's the "UK's number 1 web host " - is to be snapped up by German outfit United Internet AG.

The all-cash takeover values Fasthosts at £61.5m.

A spokeswoman for Fasthosts told El Reg that as far as the firm was concerned, it was "business as usual" and that customers would not be affected by the buyout.

However, she declined to comment on the future on the 100 or so staff who work for Fasthosts and whether the take-over would result in any job losses.

Last year United Internet generated sales of €801.5m and pre-tax profits of €101m. Fasthosts generated turnover of around £20m last year. The deal is expected to close in June. ®

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