Cumbrian Technology Firm Alertacall Sold To Canadian Tech Group
A Cumbrian technology company supporting older people and social housing providers has been acquired by Canadian technology group Volaris Group.
Alertacall, which employs staff in Kendal and Windermere, has been sold to Volaris Group, part of Constellation Software Inc. The company provides customer engagement and communications technology for the social housing and retirement living sectors, with its work focused on helping organisations maintain contact with people who may be vulnerable to isolation.
The business was founded in 2004 by James Batchelor, who was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to technology for older people. His interest in developing technology for older people was influenced by his grandmother Eveline and led him to create solutions designed to increase communication and reduce the risk of people being left alone for extended periods.
The transaction involved the shareholders of Alertacall being advised by North West legal firm Muckle LLP. The firm's corporate team supported the shareholders through the sale, with the transaction led by partner Adam Rayner and supported by Sophie Cragg.
The acquisition represents a significant development for Alertacall as it becomes part of a much larger international technology group. Volaris Group operates as part of Constellation Software, giving the Cumbrian company access to a wider corporate network and additional resources.
Muckle said the transaction was an example of how acquisitions can provide opportunities for established businesses to expand their reach and investment. The firm highlighted Alertacall's focus on developing practical technology designed to address social challenges as an important part of the company's history.
For Alertacall's founder, the decision to sell followed several previous approaches from potential buyers. However, earlier opportunities had not provided sufficient confidence that a change in ownership would serve the interests of the company's employees, products and customers.
Mr Batchelor said the approach from Volaris was different from previous proposals because of its emphasis on long term ownership. He said the group's approach gave him greater confidence that Alertacall could continue developing while maintaining its focus on the people and organisations it serves.
The founder also pointed to the structure of Volaris as an important factor in the decision. He described the group as a long term owner that acquires businesses with the intention of continuing to invest in them rather than pursuing a subsequent sale.
The new ownership is expected to provide Alertacall with additional resources and greater security as it continues its operations from Cumbria. Mr Batchelor said becoming part of a group with a multi billion pound balance sheet would provide the business with greater access to resources and opportunities.
The acquisition could also create opportunities for Alertacall to connect with other technologies within the wider group. According to the company, access to those technologies could support future innovation and allow it to develop new solutions for its existing markets.
Alertacall's work remains focused on customer engagement and communications within social housing and retirement living. Its technology has been developed around the needs of organisations supporting older people and those requiring reliable communication and contact services.
The deal also adds to the recent activity of Muckle LLP's corporate team, which has been advising businesses across the North West from its base in Cumbria. The firm said it is continuing to support companies seeking investment, acquisitions and other opportunities connected with business growth.
Muckle LLP worked alongside Logros Advisory Partners during the transaction. The sale brings together a Cumbrian technology business with an international software group while providing Alertacall with a new ownership structure for its next stage of development.
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