Leatherhead based major Microsoft reseller Bytes has acquired public sector focused Phoenix, one of the most established UK IT resellers.
Bytes, a software services and security solutions provider, was advised by lawyers Moore Blatch, led by technology, media and telecommunications specialist and corporate partner, Peter Jeffery.
Phoenix has a presence on Framework Agreements for Public Sector procurement in the UK and is a provider of end-to-end IT solutions including Software Licensing, Software Asset Management and IT Services. Headquartered in York, Phoenix has an annual turnover of more than £130m and employs 165 people.
This acquisition brings together two organisations which have built up a significant reputation for delivering high-quality customer service plus world-class products and solutions. The geographical synergies are ideal, with Phoenix having a substantial presence in the North and Bytes having a 35-year history of doing business predominantly in the South. With combined revenues this year of circa £400m and a total staff headcount of around 480, the group will become an important scale partner to many of the major global IT vendors.
Neil Murphy, MD at Bytes commented:
“Having completed numerous corporate transactions in our business sector, Moore Blatch are leaders in the field. We were delighted with the advice they provided us during this transaction. In particular, Peter Jeffery’s experience and knowledge of our sector was invaluable, along with the support of his wider corporate and specialist teams.”
Peter Jeffery, corporate partner at Moore Blatch said:
“This important strategic acquisition sees two specialist IT services companies come together. We wish them well for what promises to be an exciting future.
This is now the fourth time we have bought or sold a Microsoft Licensing Solutions Partner “
During the transaction Peter was supported by the wider Moore Blatch team, including Thomas Clark, Wayne Spolander, Polly Cross, Cherie Lawson, Dorothy Agnew, Katherine Maxwell, Stephanie Bowen and Julian Parkes.
