E-commerce platform acquisition creates £125m turnover business

Tactus Group, a specialist in the development of consumer technology products, has completed its acquisition of Bradford-based CCL Computers in a deal that sees the group become a £125m business.

The deal sees Tactus increase in headcount to 110 people and adds an e-commerce capability to its offer.

Tactus Group is a Warrington-based technology expert, providing multi-branded IT hardware to global retailers and the public sector.

Its product portfolio includes IT hardware, smart home technology and tech wearable apparel, which it retails through partnerships with high profile ecommerce and high street retailers worldwide.

Its acquisition has been funded by an £11.25m private equity investment, with lead investor Arete Capital Partners investing £10m, in addition to the group’s existing facilities.

The primary deal team comprised Gav Jones of Tactus and Mike Fletcher and Andy Critchley of Arete.

CCL specialises in building and reselling computer components to the fast-growing gaming sector.

Working alongside leading gaming component suppliers including AMD, Intel and Nvidia, CCL builds bespoke PCs for customers ranging from retail consumers, businesses, public bodies, education and other resellers.

The firm has enjoyed a strong financial performance, with five consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth. Turnover for the last financial year hit £65m – a rise of 66% on 2019 figures.

Scott Brenchley, CEO at Tactus Group, said: “A core part of our acquisition strategy over the next 12 months is to identify and bring together fantastic businesses that complement one another and can really drive our growth.

“CCL is a perfect example of this, with its longstanding reputation in the gaming market built on the outstanding talent it has at its disposal, as well as its dedication to providing the best quality products to consumers.

“Our aim now is to build on this foundation and grow the business exponentially over the next few years.”

Mike Fletcher, managing partner at Arete Capital Partners, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for Tactus Group, and further strengthens its position as a disruptive consumer tech expert.

“CCL is ideally placed to bolster Tactus’ credentials in the gaming space, which has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing sectors in recent months.

“Driven by an ambitious management team, Tactus is now in a great position to accelerate its global growth, both organically and through further acquisitions.”

David Moore, chairman at Tactus Group, said: “The acquisition of CCL is a huge milestone for Tactus Group.

“In addition to creating a £125m turnover company, the deal provides us with the first opportunity to offer products directly to the consumer, making use of CCL’s outstanding e-commerce capabilities.

“This deal represents an enormous step forward for the enlarged group, and we will continue to actively acquire businesses that add value to ourselves and our clients.”