FEATURE ACS


Acquisition secures long-term future of office services firm


Northampton-based ACS has been acquired by multinational technology company, Bechtle. Founded in 1983, Bechtle is one of Europe’s leading IT providers, with a presence in 14 countries. In the past, Bechtle direct UK and ACS have worked together to deliver a number of successful customer projects. By joining the Bechtle group, ACS co-founder


and Managing Director Jon T orpe is securing for the company a future-oriented succession plan. T e executive management team of ACS will remain in their current roles and oversee the process of integrating the company into the Bechtle Group together with James Napp, Managing Director of Bechtle direct UK. Jon believes the key focus should be on the


opportunities that this acquisition brings to ACS employees and clients alike. He said: “Having co-founded the company, it


was very important to me to know it will be in good hands down the road, both for our colleagues and our customers. Together with Bechtle, we’re well poised to keep growing while ensuring consistent, long-term support for our customers during their digital transformation. I’m very much looking forward to this new chapter in our company’s history.” T e acquisition of ACS forms part of Bechtle’s


continued acquisition strategy, which in 2021, for the fi rst time, saw sites outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland added to the IT System House &


Managed Services segment of the business. In the UK market, Bechtle has been successfully established for


over 20 years providing companies and public sector customers with a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, solutions and services. In 1997, Bechtle launched its fi rst UK branch in Plymouth, moving to Chippenham in 1999. In 2019, a second branch was opened in Manchester and Bechtle currently employs some 120 people across these two locations, generating revenues well above 110 million euros. T e current fi nancial year has also seen Bechtle direct UK enjoy extraordinary growth. T e Bechtle portfolio focuses on modern workplace technologies,


data centre and cyber security solutions, and managed services - perfectly complementing the core activities of ACS. With a strong alignment of services and values, both companies are looking ahead with confi dence around the positive impact they can have in the market as one team. ACS specialises in building workplace environments bringing


together technology, communications, and interiors, as well as cyber security. Founded over 25 years ago, the Brackmills fi rm is committed to growing talent and developing expertise, working with trusted partners to lead the way in business best practice, generating long term value and competitive advantage for clients. Konstantin Ebert, Executive Vice President for France, Benelux and


UK, Bechtle AG, said: “We see excellent prospects on the horizon in the UK market with ACS. We already have a successful track record together and are very positive that, by joining forces, both companies can off er huge added value in terms of end-to-end customer support. T e two teams complement each other perfectly.” James Napp, Managing Director, Bechtle direct UK: “I’ve known ACS


for many years and have always enjoyed working with Jon T orpe. ACS has a very experienced and highly capable team and will undoubtedly put us in a position to accelerate our growth and expand our off ering for our customers. T e cultural fi t could not be better, and we look forward to the opportunity to scale our mutual business together and become one of the top 10 IT solutions providers in the UK.”


Contact ACS on 01604 704000, info@acs365.co.uk or www.acs365.co.uk for more information


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ALL THINGS BUSINESS


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