“Mainline is a highly responsive, efficient, and entrepreneurial distributor with excellent business practices and partnerships,” said Gerry McQuade, CMO at EE. “By acquiring Mainline, we will be able to extend their capabilities in support of our indirect B2B sales strategy and help us achieve our goal to be the top communications provider for businesses in the UK.”
The acquisition builds on EE’s current share of 26% in Mainline and many years of close collaboration between the two companies. Mainline will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of EE and will continue to operate under the Mainline brand.
“Having been a part of the EE family for some time, we are proud to have played a key role in building and supporting EE’s business customer base,” said Andrew Boden (pictured), MD of Mainline. “We are excited to be entering this new chapter in our relationship with EE, and we look forward to helping EE forge even more successful relationships with its channel partners.”
Andrew Boden, MD at Mainline, will be leaving the company but will continue to support EE and Mainline for a transitional period. Steve Chandler will continue to be the Finance & Commercial Director at Mainline and will remain part of the board. Neal Milsom, CFO at EE, and Gerry McQuade, CMO at EE will join the Mainline board.
Boden, 5pc shareholder, will leave once EE is in control. His father David, the company’s founder, is selling a 69pc stake, according to Companies House filings.