The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Pipex for sale

Adios independent ISPs

Tune into our application security webcast, click here

The UK's independent ISP market just keeps on shrinking, with Pipex hawking itself around looking for a buyer.

Weekend reports said Chairman Peter Dubens has appointed bankers UBS to find a buyer for the firm, however the company itself is refusing to comment.

Dubens announced a review of business in January to decide the best way forward.

Pipex confirmed the reports this morning, saying the bankers were examining a number of strategic options, including a possible sale.

Pipex shares are down almost two per cent today, but enjoyed a big rally last week. The company has a market cap of £335m and claims over half a million broadband customers.

Independent ISPs are struggling to compete with the big brands like Virgin, Sky, and the various mobile companies who offer a bundle of services.

With mobile and cable operators chasing each other to add strings to their triple or quadruple-play strategies, there should be no shortage of bidders. Several companies have upset customers by buying into the broadband market without an adequate technology partner.

We would normally include some financial filler at this point, but the investors section of Pipex's website seems a little tired at this point.®

Understand how application security is evolving

Don’t Miss

Win a Samsung C6625!

Reg Lucky Draw Windows Mobile handsets up for grabs

Palm_Pre_001_SMIs your cameraphone an oxymoron?

Pic Review iPhone 3G v iPhone 3GS v Palm Pre

Vulture logo with head phonesWindows 7, Bing and security: Mr Ballmer regrets

Steve hopes Microsoft money can buy your love

Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter

Narrowcasting for the email classes