Communicate Better Holdings Limited acquires IT solutions provider Advance Computer Systems Limited

3rd June 2010
The Communicate Better Group, the telecommunications solutions provider, has acquired Walkden-based Advance Computer Systems (ACS), an IT support provider. The acquisition is part of Communicate Better’s strategy to invest in, and expand, its product portfolio and services, providing a complete suite of business-wide technology solutions. This acquisition was led by the Corporate Finance team at Cowgill Holloway LLP.
Wayne Cartwright, Chief Executive at Communicate Better, explains:  “We’re dedicated to adding real customer value by extending the reach of our product portfolio and by adding an IT support solution to our service offering we are able to do this. The acquisition has allowed us to create a platform of business services within the Communicate Better Group and to offer a range of business communication and IT solutions to our customers, and it is our intention to continue to develop and grow that offering. Together with our combined expertise, we’re providing an even greater offering to our growing customer base, helping them with a joined-up approach to their business operations.”
Ian Johnson, the Cowgill Holloway Corporate Finance Partner who led the deal, commented: “We have advised Wayne Cartwright for several years, initially through his involvement in Britannia Communications which was ultimately sold to a quoted PLC.  Wayne and his team have an ambitious buy & build strategy and a desire to be a market leading supplier of business communication services and we look forward to supporting the Group as it continues to develop.”
Customers currently being served by ACS will see their existing close working relationships further strengthened and supported by Swinton-based Communicate Better.  The acquisition extends the services available to their customers and is backed by the full support and resources of the business communication solutions provider.
The acquisition forms part of the Communicate Better Group’s business plan to seek acquisitions in the business communications and technology market in order to become a leading supplier.
Other advisers who worked on the transaction included Ed Foulkes at law firm Lockett Loveday McMahon and Keith Kennedy and Stephen Foster at Berg Legal.