Sell my IT and Software Business

Gemini Communications Ltd

Carlisle-based Gemini Communications has been sold to award-winning technology solutions specialist Global 4 in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.

Gemini, established in 1999, works with key industry suppliers to provide, install and maintain phone systems, broadband and wireless networks, and office equipment including photocopiers and CCTV security, for businesses and schools.

KBS Corporate was instructed to orchestrate a sale that would enable Suzanne and David Thompson and fellow director Tina Labram to retire, while David Labram, the Managing Director, planned to remain in the business and grow the company under new ownership and investment.

Step forward Global 4, based in Horsham, Sussex and which in September 2023 was named Best Enterprise Vertical Market Customer Solution at the Comms National Awards, where it was also nominated in three other categories.

Global 4’s acquisition of Gemini will expand its portfolio of products, while geography was also a key factor with Gemini operating across Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway.

Carl Barnett, CEO of Global 4, which was founded in 1998, said: “Gemini allows us to establish a northern presence, supporting our ongoing growth nationwide which is critical to maintain the exceptional service our customers have come to expect. This strategic expansion will enable us to enhance our reach and better serve clients across various regions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gemini into the Global 4 family. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with our dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. We are confident the synergies between our organisations will result in even greater value for our clients.”

David Labram, Managing Director of Gemini, added: “We are delighted to be working with Carl and the team at Global 4. The natural alignment of company values and our shared vision to grow fast provides a great opportunity for both businesses.”

Oliver Rigby, KBS Corporate Deal Executive who oversaw the transaction, said he was “extremely satisfied” with the completion of the sale.

“The level of interest was strong, with four good-quality interested parties reviewing the company during the summer period,” explained Oliver, who credited Peter Kelly, KBS Corporate Operations Director, for his considerable help during the process.

“The main appeal of Gemini was its location and service offering. The acquisition would help them enhance their presence in the market.

“This deal for me was complex at times and it was good to achieve a sale for Gemini.”

IBIT Solutions Ltd

Coventry-based IT company IBIT Solutions has been sold to Techsol Group in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.

IBIT is a complete IT and network solutions company, offering full support and installation services for businesses of all sizes.

Kevin Lawless founded IBIT in 2005, building a reputation for providing high-quality IT services comprising cybersecurity, hosting, broadband and connectivity support and VOIP phone systems.

Techsol Group’s origins were as Micross Apps, a software development house founded in South Wales in 1996, with a 2012 acquisition broadening its geographical reach to Cornwall.

Further expansion has subsequently taken place across the South West of England and now the acquisition of IBIT has established a base for Techsol in the Midlands, enabling the digital transformation company to offer a more diverse service offering to its customer base across the region.

Simone Lawless, Director of IBIT Solutions, said: “We are delighted to have completed this union between ourselves and Techsol Group – in whom we have found a partner who shares our determination to provide service excellence to our clients but who can also add scale and reach both in terms of resource, geography and technical practice groups.

“This partnership will allow us to expand our combined operations and offer more products and services to both existing and new clients.

“We are truly excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the Techsol Group team and be guided by them over the coming months and years.”

Luke Rae, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who negotiated the sale, said: “It was a complex and challenging process and I’m delighted to have supported Simone to bring it to a successful conclusion.

“IBIT has truly found a great new home and will continue to offer a truly fabulous service to both existing and new clients alike.”

Gavin Morgan, Managing Director of Techsol Group, which now employs more than 40 staff in England and Wales, added: “We are very excited about this new chapter. We look forward to growing our new Coventry base and providing our customers with the best possible service and solutions.”

Monochrome Consultancy Ltd

Monochrome Consultancy Ltd has been sold to a leading digital transformation services provider with the assistance of Matthew Sibley, Associate Director at KBS Corporate.

In 2017, Hampshire-based Monochrome was founded to become the trusted delivery partner of national customers for IT, projects and complex change consultancy solutions.

Over the last six years, the business has achieved considerable year-on-year growth and is well regarded in the IT and cyber security markets.

Monochrome Director Dan Wright aimed to find a buyer who would accelerate the company’s growth and also value the Monochrome team.

The company generated significant international interest in the consultancy M&A space, owing to Dan’s passion for Monochrome.

Matthew Sibley advised: “It was a great process — Dan is an exceptionally well-organised professional that drives the business forward. He was focused and very amenable in discussions with interested parties.”

The company is now part of Kerv Group, a growing organisation specialising in collaboration, transformation and digital evolution.

Kerv has grown exponentially throughout its time in operation and is now partnered with global organisations such as Microsoft, Citrix and Genesys.

“This sale is a great example of when you find a synergy buyer for a company that sees the value and potential in it,” said Matthew.

“Kerv could see this was more than just geographical expansion and a larger client portfolio. It was a chance to bring Dan and his team into the group and really enhance the wider offering.”

Dan Wright is excited to work alongside Kerv and commended Matthew’s role throughout the transaction.

“This acquisition presents us all with a great opportunity,” said Dan. “The Kerv senior management team and I share close values and culture, which means that it feels like the right place to be.

“Matthew introduced us and had it not been for this, I would not have found Monochrome’s new home. He was great to work with and quick to support me whenever I needed advice, which definitely helped as this was my first time selling a company.”

Dan Wright will continue as Managing Director of Monochrome, which now acts as the consultancy practice within Kerv Group. To learn more, please visit www.monochromeconsultancy.co.uk or www.kerv.com.