Wallis Business Services snapped up by Complete Office Solutions

COMPLETE Office Solutions, the office supplier, has completed another acquisition after buying Wallis Business Services.

Wakefield-based Complete Office Solutions (COS) said the deal to buy £5m turnover Wallis Business Services (WBS) would strengthen its presence in North Yorkshire.

WBS has sites in York, Malton and Darlington, which will give COS a presence across the region.

Richard Coulson, managing director of COS, said: “I am delighted with the deal, WBS fits very well with our overall strategy. We were very weak in North Yorkshire so adding £5m, and a very credible team brings a fantastic balance to our presence in Yorkshire, and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”

The deal will add managed print services to COS’s offering and takes the company’s turnover to £20m.

It follows COS’s acquisition of Yorkshire Business Equipment earlier this year.

Both Peter Wallis and Steve Heath, directors of WBS are taking seats on the COS board. 

Mr Wallis said: “I have believed for some time now that to compete successfully in what has become a very cutthroat and competitive market, a business needs to have sales exceeding £20m per year, to give the company buying power to compete, whilst retaining the local, personal service that our customers expect.

“After 47 years, I am pleased that we are now part of Complete Office Solutions, who are eager to expand in the North Yorkshire area, and invest into the infrastructure and work force. 

Mr Coulson added that COS wants to add a further 10 acquisitions to its portfolio over the next two years.