Sale sets up AlexSys for significant growth

AlexSys Communications was acquired by Ferdinand De Lisser following a competitive bidding process, with the buyer targeting both organic growth and further acquisitions. The deal gives AlexSys a platform for further development, particularly in cyber security-led services.

Transaction Overview:

• Sector: Software & IT 
• Business Type: ICT consultancy providing system design, implementation and support services
• Deal Type: Trade Sale
• Buyer Type: Private Investor
• Location: Somerset, UK

Growth plans are in place for AlexSys Communications following the sale of the ICT services company in a transaction advised on by KBS Corporate.

Founded in 1996 by Bridget Squance and based in Somerset, AlexSys is a highly regarded, independent ICT consultancy which supports clients across the UK.

The company’s service offering encompasses system design through to implementation and ongoing support and development for a broad range of businesses, to which it provides ICT advice and turnkey solutions.

With Bridget having decided the time was right to step down as Managing Director and retire, KBS Corporate was instructed to facilitate a sale of AlexSys – an opportunity which attracted significant interest from trade acquirers and investors.

Following a competitive bidding process, the successful offer was made by Ferdinand De Lisser, who was seeking to return to the IT support sector in which he had been active previously.

Explaining the appeal of AlexSys as an acquisition target, Ferdinand explained: “It was the right size of company, not too small, not too big. I sold an IT support company six years ago and this is me getting back into that space.”

Ferdinand’s aspirations for AlexSys are “organic as well as acquisitional growth”, with the focus on the company’s product set in cyber security.

The deal was led by Charles Needham, KBS Corporate Transaction Adviser. “Charles kept me abreast at every juncture and communication was really good,” said Ferdinand.

Charles was delighted to see the transaction reach a successful conclusion, with KBS Corporate’s 27-year experience as leading UK company sales specialists proving invaluable during the process.

“It was important to ensure both sides of the acquisition were comfortable with the terms of the deal and a lot of advice was passed to both the vendor and the buyer,” said Charles.

“I advised our client against accepting a previous, less favourable offer and to explore the market further. I’m glad they took the advice because further down the line, we had two acquirers submitting competing bids for the business.

“While the sale took longer than the client had initially anticipated, I remained confident the business would be sold and reassured them we would achieve the right result.”

In doing exactly that, Charles commended the help provided by Jai Singh of the Alston Asquith law firm, whom he described as “sensational to work with”.

The ICT Services Sector

Independent consultancies in the software and IT sector continue to attract interest from buyers seeking established service businesses with loyal client bases and recurring support revenues. Expertise across implementation, advisory and cyber security services makes these businesses particularly appealing where there is clear growth potential.

As demand for outsourced IT expertise continues to rise, well-positioned businesses are increasingly seen as attractive opportunities for expansion.

For business owners, this may present an opportunity to consider their next steps, including selling a company.