Key Points
- BT has completed the sale of its Radianz business to Transaction Network Services (TNS), following the initial announcement on 2 September 2025.
- The transaction received clearance from all relevant regulatory authorities.
- Radianz, launched over 20 years ago, provides financial information exchange networks connecting brokers, institutions, exchanges, and clearing houses to thousands of applications essential for global capital markets.
- The divestiture aligns with BT International’s strategy to become a global leader in secure multi-cloud connectivity by focusing on core products and services.
- TNS is a global provider of ultra-low latency trading infrastructure, connectivity, and market data services.
- Bas Burger, CEO of BT International, described the sale as a key milestone in refocusing the business on secure multi-cloud connectivity.
- Burger expressed confidence that TNS will deliver exceptional service to Radianz customers.
- Evercore acted as financial advisers to TNS, with Jones Day as legal advisers.
- Citi served as financial advisers to BT, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provided legal advice to BT.
London (Manchester Mirror) February 02, 2026 – BT Group plc has finalised the sale of its Radianz business unit to Transaction Network Services (TNS), marking a pivotal step in its strategic realignment. First announced on 2 September 2025, the deal cleared regulatory hurdles and underscores BT International’s commitment to excelling in secure multi-cloud connectivity solutions for large organisations worldwide.
What Triggered BT’s Decision to Sell Radianz?
The sale forms part of BT International’s broader transformation efforts. As reported in the official BT Newsroom release, the transaction enables the company to sharpen its focus on core offerings like secure multi-cloud connectivity. This divestiture allows BT to streamline operations and invest more deeply in high-growth areas critical to global enterprises.
Radianz, established over two decades ago, has long served as a vital backbone for the financial sector. It connects a global community of brokers, institutions, exchanges, and clearing and settlement houses to thousands of applications and services necessary for the daily operations of capital markets. By transferring this asset to TNS, BT ensures its legacy continues under specialised ownership.
Who is Transaction Network Services (TNS)?
TNS emerges as the ideal acquirer for Radianz, given its expertise in the financial technology space. TNS operates as a global provider of ultra-low latency trading infrastructure, connectivity, and market data services. This acquisition positions TNS to expand its portfolio with Radianz’s established networks, potentially enhancing service delivery to financial market participants worldwide.
The synergy between TNS’s low-latency capabilities and Radianz’s exchange networks promises continued innovation. Industry observers note that such consolidations are common in fintech, where specialised providers consolidate to meet evolving demands for speed and reliability in trading environments.
How Does This Fit BT International’s Strategy?
BT International aims to solidify its position as a global leader in secure multi-cloud connectivity. Bas Burger, CEO of BT International, stated: “Today’s announcement is another key milestone in focusing our international business on what it does best: providing secure multi-cloud connectivity to large organisations globally. Our Radianz business unit will enter a new era with TNS and we are confident that TNS will continue to deliver exceptional service to customers.”.
Burger’s comments, as quoted in the BT Newsroom, highlight the strategic rationale. The sale liberates resources previously allocated to Radianz, allowing BT to prioritise scalable connectivity solutions amid rising demand for hybrid cloud environments in enterprise settings.
What Role Did Advisers Play in the Transaction?
The deal involved prominent financial and legal teams on both sides. Evercore served as financial advisers to TNS, while Jones Day provided legal counsel to the buyer. On the BT side, Citi acted as financial advisers, with Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handling legal matters.
These advisories ensured a smooth process from announcement to completion. As per the BT release, regulatory approvals proceeded without issues, reflecting thorough due diligence by all parties involved.
When Was the Sale Initially Announced?
The transaction was first publicly disclosed on 2 September 2025 via BT’s newsroom. That initial agreement set the stage for subsequent regulatory reviews. Clearance by the relevant authorities paved the way for today’s completion, demonstrating efficient execution over five months.
This timeline aligns with standard practices for corporate divestitures in regulated sectors like telecommunications and fintech. The September announcement provided stakeholders with ample notice, minimising market disruptions.
Why is Radianz Significant in Capital Markets?
Radianz’s networks are indispensable for the world’s capital markets. Over 20 years, it has facilitated seamless information exchange among key players. Brokers rely on it for real-time data; institutions use it for settlement processes; exchanges and clearing houses depend on its connectivity to applications that power daily trading.
Handing stewardship to TNS preserves this critical infrastructure. TNS’s ultra-low latency expertise complements Radianz’s reach, potentially accelerating advancements in high-frequency trading and market data dissemination.
What Happens Next for Radianz Customers?
Customers can anticipate continuity and enhancement under TNS ownership. Bas Burger emphasised this in his statement, expressing full confidence in TNS’s ability to maintain exceptional service levels. No disruptions to existing connections or services have been reported.
The transition marks a new chapter, with TNS poised to leverage its trading infrastructure strengths. Financial firms connected via Radianz will benefit from integrated low-latency solutions, vital in competitive markets where milliseconds matter.
How Does This Impact BT Group Overall?
For BT Group, the sale reinforces a disciplined portfolio approach. BT International sheds a non-core asset to double down on connectivity prowess. This move follows a pattern of strategic disposals aimed at agility in a cloud-centric era.
Investors view such actions positively, as they signal focus on profitability drivers. Secure multi-cloud services represent a burgeoning market, with enterprises increasingly adopting hybrid models for resilience and scalability.
What Challenges Might TNS Face Post-Acquisition?
Integrating Radianz demands careful management of legacy systems and customer expectations. TNS must harmonise its ultra-low latency infrastructure with Radianz’s broader network ecosystem. While no specific hurdles are mentioned, historical mergers in fintech underscore the need for seamless migrations.
Regulatory compliance remains paramount, given the financial sector’s oversight. TNS’s experience positions it well, but vigilance will ensure uninterrupted service amid evolving data protection standards.
Broader Implications for Fintech and Telecom?
This transaction exemplifies converging trends in telecom and fintech. Telecom giants like BT pivot towards specialised services, while fintech firms like TNS acquire networks to bolster trading ecosystems. It reflects a maturing market where divestitures fuel innovation.
Globally, capital markets demand ever-faster connectivity. TNS’s acquisition could spur competition, benefiting end-users with superior tools for exchange and settlement.
Legal and Financial Advisory Details
Evercore’s role as TNS’s financial adviser involved valuation and structuring, per standard practices. Jones Day’s legal input covered contracts and compliance. Citi guided BT on financial aspects, while Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner managed its legal strategy.
These firms’ involvement adds credibility, drawing on their track records in high-stakes deals. The advisory lineup ensured balanced negotiations and risk mitigation.
CEO Bas Burger’s Full Perspective
Bas Burger’s quote encapsulates BT’s optimism: “Our Radianz business unit will enter a new era with TNS.” He positions the sale as a win-win, freeing BT for its strengths while entrusting Radianz to a capable partner.
Burger’s leadership has steered multiple transformations at BT International. This milestone bolsters his narrative of focused growth in multi-cloud domains.
In summary, BT’s completion of the Radianz sale to TNS on 2 February 2026 closes one chapter and opens another. The deal, rooted in strategic clarity, promises sustained value across stakeholders.
