Bechtle acquires UK’s ACS Systems, furthering European expansion ambitions

Bechtle has announced the acquisition of UK-based IT services provider ACS Systems, as the German value-added reseller (VAR) continues its European expansion.

With 27 years’ experience in IT services, ACS’ portfolio centres on technologies for the modern workplace, data centre, and cyber security solutions, as well as managed services.

The Northampton-based firm has a staff base of 93 employees and covers a wide customer spectrum, ranging from regional companies to large corporations and the public sector.

The two businesses are also no strangers to each other, having previously worked together to deliver several customer projects. Bechtle says ACS’ portfolio perfectly complements its current activities in the UK.

“We see excellent prospects on the horizon of the British market with ACS,” said Konstantin Ebert, Executive VP for France, Benelux, and UK at Bechtle AG. “We already have a successful track record together and are very positive that, by joining forces, both companies can offer huge added value in terms of end-to-end customer support. The two teams complement each other perfectly.”

Bechtle itself has been successfully established in the UK market for more than 20 years, providing businesses and public sector customers with its portfolio of hardware, software, solutions, and services.

The firm launched its first UK branch in Plymouth in 1997, before relocating to Chippenham in 1999, where it operates from today. It opened a second branch in Manchester back in 2019 and now has around 120 staff based across the two locations.

This latest acquisition marks the next step in the firm’s acquisition strategy, which last year saw new sites outside of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland added to its IT System House & Managed Services segment for the first time.

Following an expansion into the Netherlands, the company says it is now strengthening its presence in the UK market with an expanded portfolio and the aim to establish a joint managed services platform.

ACS’ executive management team will remain in their current roles and oversee the process of integrating the business into the Bechtle Group alongside James Napp, managing director of Bechtle direct UK.

“Having co-founded the company, it was very important to me to know the company will be in good hands down the road, both for our colleagues and our customers,” said Jon Thorpe, ACS co-founder and CEO, who will retain his current role. “Together with Bechtle, we’re well poised to keep growing while ensuring consistent, long-term support for our customers during their digital transformation.”

Napp said the pair’s existing relationship can provide the ideal springboard for future growth together.

“I’ve known ACS for many years and have always enjoyed working with Jon Thorpe,” he said. “ACS has a very experienced and highly capable team and will undoubtedly put us in a position to accelerate our growth and expand our offering for our customers.

“The cultural fit 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.”