Cable & Wireless took another step in its business-to-business internet strategy yesterday by buying web infrastructure company Baynton Thompson Networks.

Baynton sells products and services that help businesses to get online quickly and to do e-business securely. Its clients are mainly blue-chip companies.

Cable & Wireless said the deal will enhance its ability to meet demand for internet protocol services.

Peter Green, president, UK, at Cable & Wireless Global, said: "This acquisition and our increased network structure investment represent further stages in the implementation of Cable & Wireless's strategy of focus on IP services to business customers.

"We aim to furnish our business customers with all their IP solutions, including internet access, web-hosting, e-commerce and network integration services."

Cable & Wireless has acquired 13 internet service providers over the past 18 months.

Ken Baynton, managing director of Baynton Thompson Networks, said that the deal with Cable & Wireless would open up a world of opportunity for his company.

Cable & Wireless refused to disclose the exact figure for the acquisition, but said it was in the millions.

The company's share price yesterday dropped 37p to close the session at 823p.