Arrow targets telecoms firm IGC

A NORTH West telephone systems provider has been swallowed up by an acquisitive Surrey company.

Southport-based Inter-Group Communications has been acquired by Surrey firm Arrow Business Communications.

IGC has around 25 staff and delivers IP telephony, voice, network and managed services. It has been operating in the public and private sectors for more than 30 years.

The acquisition, which also includes ICH’s Bristol based subsidiary company, Budd Communications, marks Arrow’s fourth acquisition in the last three years.

The sale of IGC was advised by MC Vanguard, the corporate finance arm of North West based accountants Mitchell Charlesworth.

Chris Russell, managing director of Arrow said: ““This acquisition is another great opportunity for Arrow to expand its nationwide customer base and provide further opportunities for growth across all of our product offerings” he said.

Cliff Barclay, the previous owner of Inter-Group, said: “Arrow is a great match with IGC and we are excited to be part of a larger team with access to an expanded business connectivity portfolio.”

In the year to the end of March 2012 IGC grew net assets from £1.1m to £1.4m. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Customers, suppliers and employees of Inter-Group and Budd Communications will be integrated into the Arrow business which will be re-branded Arrow Business Communications. Staff will continue to operate from their existing premises on Norwood Road, Southport and at Knottingley, Yorkshire.

The MC Vanguard Corporate Finance team was led by Brian McCann.