Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of St. Neots-based CWL by Marlow-based Atech.

Founded in 1992, CWL provides agile business solutions, including IT security and infrastructure to support digital transformation, focusing on the manufacturing, finance, retail, aerospace, and insurance sectors.

Atech is a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner, delivering complex, multi-platform solutions, cloud services and specialised managed security services to mid-sized enterprises. The acquisition of CWL forms part of Atech’s expansion strategy.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of managed services provider, Key Digital, by Franking Sense.

Established in 2010, Key Digital is a specialist in digital transformation, document workflow, print technologies, and IT services. The company supplies multi-functional print devices and managed print services, as well SaaS software licences with professional IT support services.

Franking Sense® is a leading UK supplier of managed print, franking, mailroom, and document processing solutions with offices in Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Wrexham.

Both local, family-run organisations that operate throughout the UK, the acquisition is an ideal partnership for facilitating Key Digital’s growth strategy as it continues to operate from its Burnley home.

Andy Ratcliffe, managing director of Key Digital, said this about working with Benchmark International:

“Selling my business was the most important deal of my life and the one I had been working day and night for 13 years for. When I engaged Benchmark, I did not appreciate what an important role in the process they played. From day one until the completion, they were extremely professional and were always on hand and available for advice and guidance. They worked tirelessly to get me the best deal and at no time did I feel that they were only interested in their fee. I was amazed at the number of quality potential buyers they found which resulted in numerous offers, giving me the luxury of choice. Best decision I made was to choose Benchmark.”

Benchmark International has successfully advised on the sale of Edinburgh-based 7 Elements to Harrogate-based Redcentric.

7 Elements is a CREST accredited and award-winning technical assurance services company providing industry-leading security testing, incident response, and bespoke consultancy services.

Established in 1997, AIM-listed Redcentric is a managed service provider. The company operates across five locations and has over 500 employees.

This acquisition expands upon the cyber security skills, capabilities, and services of Redcentric, complementing a growing portfolio, while addressing increasing market demand and customer requirements for security products and support.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that Barry-based Capital Network Solutions (CNS) has been acquired by Hemel Hempstead-based Flow Communications (Flow), as part of its new buy and build strategy.

Established in 1996, CNS is a cyber security and infrastructure consultancy, ensuring data security and best practice for its clients. It is a highly accredited CREST Penetration Testing company and one of the largest IASME Cyber Essentials Certification Bodies within the UK having issued more than 3,000 certificates.

Flow is a network and security solutions provider, addressing the IT demands of the UK’s leading corporations. The acquisition of CNS complements Flow's current service offerings and aligns to the Flow vision.

Following the acquisition, CNS will continue to trade under its name and see an enlarged group employing 50.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Bath-based managed service IT provider, Westgate IT, and Sussex-based Acora.

Established in 1997, Westgate IT is a provider of IT support, subscription and cloud-based services, and bespoke security solutions.

Acora is an award-winning managed IT services company based in London, Sussex and the Midlands. Services range from the design and build of complex solutions to the day-to-day management of services. Acora is backed by Palatine Private Equity, an independent private equity firm headquartered in Manchester.

This highly strategic acquisition is of significant importance to Acora, allowing it to further expand into the South West with greater access to local talent, an additional service centre and more than 100 clients.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between a cybersecurity and compliance IT solutions company, Brandon Consulting, and managed IT services partner, Nostra.

Founded in 1998 by Tom O’Neill, Brandon Consulting provides managed IT services to clients across a range of industries.

Nostra, established in 2006, offers a suite of IT managed services solutions to a variety of sectors such as finance, hospitality, manufacturing, and motoring. As Ireland’s leading managed service provider, it has over 200 customers and provides services in the UK, the Benelux region, Germany, Poland, South Africa, Australia, and North America.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the sale of managed IT services provider, Pebble IT, to internet service provider, Optimity.

Pebble IT offers a vast array of flexible IT services to clients deriving from a range of sectors, such as branding and design, market research, recruitment and architecture. The company has grown revenues 94% over the last five years and has key partners including Google, Microsoft, Cisco and Sophos.

Optimity Limited is a leading London-based connectivity, IT, and managed services provider. Backed by FPE Capital, a growth focused private equity investor in UK mid-market companies, Optimity has transformed London’s high-speed connectivity market by providing a unique alternative to fibre connectivity and has since extended its product set into a full IT service for smart campus and workplace environments.

The acquisition will help Optimity to accelerate strong organic growth in managed services and in the provision of smart, secure and intelligent IT solutions for campus and workplace environments, and will strengthen the services Optimity provides to existing customers.