Communications firms link up through acquisition
A Cumbrian communications business has bought an IT solutions firm to further expand its offering to customers.
Eco Communications, which operates across the UK from bases in Scotland and Carlisle, has announced the signing of an agreement to purchase Integrity Office, a provider of IT solutions, also based in Carlisle, for an undisclosed sum.
Eco, a communications and IT solutions provider which is close to completing building its new state-of-the-art headquarters at Annan, in Southern Scotland, employs more than 50 people.
Integrity IT Solutions, founded in 2009 by managing director Andrew Fisher, is based on Rosehill Industrial Estate, Carlisle and employs eight people.
The deal means Eco and Integrity will be able to offer advanced services so customers can quickly and efficiently modernise their IT and communications infrastructure.
Mike Jefferson, director and head of Eco’s comms division for communications and IT, said: “Customers will be able to take advantage of the latest communications connectivity, and IT technologies from a single supplier, with decreased risk, limited disruption, and reduced cost, time and effort.”
Eco continues to accelerate its focus on investing in associated technologies and related proposals, along with recruiting quality staff to support its expansion.
Mike said: “Even through the pandemic, Eco has embraced the need to grow to support the economy, not only by recruiting, but by helping businesses and individuals with their technology and connectivity needs through lockdowns and shielding.”
Andrew Fisher said: “Integrity sees the use of IT as fundamental to business success, however many organisations are stuck in a break/fix model and struggle to maintain a forward-thinking IT strategy.
“Our managed IT services are built on a partnership – Integrity IT solutions take the time to understand a business and its future plans before we recommend a solution to suit its requirements.”
Darcie Rae, from Armstrong Watson’s Corporate Finance team, acted as lead adviser on the sale. Andrew Hill and Kate Parker of Baines Wilson provided legal advice to Eco, with Vaughan Jones and Becky Brook from Burnetts advising Integrity.
