Sentis can Aspire to new heights following acquisition

Sentis Managed Solutions, a long-established Managed Service Provider with a strong record of sustained growth, has joined Aspire Technology Solutions.

Based in Warrington, Sentis has built a substantial base across the North West, with a clear focus on mid-sized organisations that closely aligns with Aspire’s core market.

In a deal where Sentis shareholders were advised by Jacob Lord, KBS Corporate Associate Director, Sentis has been acquired by Gateshead-based Aspire, a leading provider of managed IT, cyber security and modern workplace solutions.

The acquisition gives Aspire an immediate presence in the North West of England to further expand its geographic reach, whilst building on the company’s established position in the UK mid-market and supporting the next stage of its growth strategy.

All Sentis employees will become part of the Aspire group. Co-founder Neil Homer will remain with the business, providing continuity of leadership and playing an active role in the integration.

Fellow co-founders Martin Perry and Michael Cox will step back from day-to-day operations and continue to support the business in ambassadorial roles.

“Sentis has built real momentum, and joining Aspire gives us access to the investment and wider capabilities to take that forward,” said Neil Homer. “It enables us to offer more to our customers while retaining the relationships they value.

“This is an exciting milestone for the business. I’m looking forward to playing an active role in the next chapter.”

Chris Fraser, CEO and founder of Aspire Technology Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sentis to Aspire and look forward to working together. Building trusted relationships, nurturing talent and doing the right thing for customers are key, and they are values we see clearly in Sentis.

“That gives us confidence in the fit between our two companies and in what we can achieve. Sentis has built an impressive position in the region, and bringing our teams and expertise together will create new opportunities for customers and colleagues alike.”

Backed by leading private equity investor LDC, Aspire is pursuing a long-term business strategy combining organic expansion with selective acquisitions, focused on extending its UK presence and developing its capabilities to deliver greater value for customers.

Its experience of previous transactions provides a proven framework for integrating businesses and helping them realise their potential.

KBS Corporate’s Jacob Lord commented: “Sentis is an exceptionally managed business with a loyal customer base and a team that has consistently delivered. Martin, Michael and Neil have built something genuinely solid over the years, and working with them through this process has been a real highlight.

From the outset, they were engaged, open and a pleasure to deal with at every stage. The Sentis team embodied this engaged and open approach throughout, and it made for a genuinely enjoyable transaction to be part of.

Aspire is the ideal home for the business. The cultural alignment is clear, and the backing of LDC gives Aspire the platform to invest in and grow what Sentis has built. The North West presence this brings will be a meaningful addition to Aspire’s footprint, and I have no doubt the combined business will be in a strong position to serve customers across the region and beyond.

I wish Martin, Michael, Neil and the wider Sentis team, along with Chris and everyone at Aspire, all the very best for the next chapter. It’s been a privilege to play a part in bringing this deal together.”