The Spanish market for technological services aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is experiencing a new wave of consolidation. Queka Real Partners, a private equity firm focused on the lower mid-market, has completed the acquisition and integration of B2com, Smartgroup, and Datos 101 to launch B2group, a platform born with a straightforward proposition: to simplify the relationship between SMEs and technology by bundling, in a single provider, telecommunications, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
This operation, which merges three companies with distinct yet complementary offerings, aims to capitalize on an obvious opportunity in a highly fragmented market where many clients juggle multiple contracts — with operators, integrators, backup, and security firms — complicating daily operations, increasing costs, and diluting accountability in case of incidents. B2group positions itself as a “one-stop-shop” for unified communications, fixed and mobile connectivity, contact center, backup and disaster recovery, cloud services, data protection, and support.
“We are excited to launch B2group alongside our exceptional partners at B2com, Smartgroup, and Datos 101. We believe this platform has enormous potential,” said Nicolás Maraver and Carmen Álvarez-Novoa, who are leading the operation at Queka.
“This deal marks the third investment of Queka’s second fund, and we are very enthusiastic to begin this journey with the team,” added Fernando Elío, Managing Partner of the firm.
What Each Piece Brings to the New Group
B2com
Specialist in Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), virtual PBX, and CCaaS (contact center as a service), with proprietary developments in enterprise telephony and integrations with business tools.
Datos 101
Provides backup and disaster recovery, cloud services, and a catalog of cybersecurity solutions (endpoint protection, vulnerability management, firewalling, and business continuity).
Smartgroup
Acts as a boutique telecom integrator, focusing on turnkey projects and premium support (connectivity, equipment, deployments, and operations).
The combination of these three capabilities enables cross-selling, bundled packages with one invoice, and homogeneous SLAs, along with a clear responsibility for incidents.
Governance, Continuity… and Carlos Gató’s Vision (Updated)
Queka has chosen a model of distributed leadership with integrated governance, maintaining the original management teams:
- Carlos Gató —Strategy, Channel, Mobile, and M&A— will coordinate go-to-market, alliances, and corporate development.
- Gustavo Sobrino Martínez (B2com) —UCaaS/CCaaS and Virtual PBX— will lead the communications portfolio.
- Juan Llamazares (Datos 101) —Cybersecurity and Cloud— will oversee the security and cloud services vertical.
In a public message on his LinkedIn, Carlos Gató contextualized the launch and his role:
“It’s my pleasure to announce the launch of B2group, born from the union of Datos 101, B2com, and Smartgroup. Together we are stronger, offering a tailored portfolio that meets the demands and needs of our clients.
Our goal as a Group is to become a national benchmark in telephony, unified communications, cloud services, and cybersecurity for the SME segment.
Thanks to Queka Real Partners and my new colleagues for trusting me to lead the group strategy, commercial development of the Channel, and supervise M&A opportunities that will allow us to add talent and technology to B2group.
After a period of rest, I’m returning energized and very excited. See you very soon… and let’s get to work!”
Trajectory
Gató —also known in the industry as Carlos Gato— was founder of LCRcom, a company specialized in enterprise solutions, acquired by Grupo Aire. After more than 15 years at LCRcom, he left the company a few months ago to join this new project. His experience in B2B telephony, channel, and strategy helps explain B2group’s focus on integrated products and inorganic growth.
A Market Demanding Provider Consolidation
Spanish SMEs have accelerated their technological adoption — IP telephony, videoconferencing, cloud ERP/CRM — without a proportional increase in their internal resources. The fragmentation of providers results in hidden costs and longer resolution times. B2group aims to address this with:
- A single point of contact and aligned SLAs.
- Comprehensive catalog (UCaaS + connectivity + backup + security + cloud).
- Standardization of support and operations to reduce friction.
- Scalable packages to support growth without “breaking” the architecture.
Queka’s Thesis: lower mid-market and buy & build
The creation of B2group is Queka’s ninth investment and its third in its second fund, closed at €194 million. The firm — which manages over €350 million — focuses on companies with EBITDA of €2–5 million, where it sees potential to build leaders through operational support and selective acquisitions. B2group fits this model: it relies on solid foundations in UCaaS, cloud, and security, and aims to accelerate through cross-selling and M&A.
Expected Benefits for SMEs
- Less friction: one contract, single responsibility, and clear SLA.
- Security by default: integrated backup and cybersecurity included in the standard offering.
- Time savings: less vendor management and faster resolutions.
- Scalability: easy to expand users, services, and capabilities under one brand.
Integration Challenges
The harmonization of processes, pricing, support tools, billing, and the brand unification will be critical. Success will depend on competitive packages, perceived support quality, and a consistent client experience nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What main services does B2group offer to SMEs looking to centralize their IT?
UCaaS and virtual PBXs, CCaaS, fixed and mobile connectivity, cloud services (email, hosting, backup), and cybersecurity (endpoint and network protection, business continuity).
Who leads the commercial strategy and channel at B2group?
Carlos Gató oversees Strategy, Channel, Mobile, and M&A, focusing on organic growth (cross-selling, bundled packages) and acquisitions.
What changes for current clients of B2com, Smartgroup, or Datos 101?
Operational continuity for teams is maintained, and plans are underway to unify brand, SLA, and billing, aiming to simplify relationships and expand services.
What is the group’s ambition?
To become a national leader in telephony, unified communications, cloud, and cybersecurity for the SME segment, combining operational support and Queka’s financing to achieve organic and inorganic growth.
Sources
- Corporate communication from B2group and Queka Real Partners (announcement of the integration of B2com, Smartgroup, and Datos 101; closure of Fund II at €194M).
- Public statement by Carlos Gató on LinkedIn announcing the launch of B2group and his role (Group strategy, Channel, and M&A).
- Public information about the acquisition of LCRcom by Grupo Aire and Carlos Gató’s background (over 15 years at the company).