Chess moves in on two more deals

Outmanoeuvred: Chess has acquired 33 firms in the past four years

Chess Telecom has completed its fifth and sixth acquisitions of the last 18 months and has pledged to continue its shopping spree.

The telecoms VAR has bought the customer databases of Bridgend-based JVH Group and north east-based CI Wholesale.

The double swoop will add £1.8m to Cheshire-based Chess' £27m annual turnover.

The firm claims its focus on acquiring customer bases rather than companies is attractive to potential sellers.

It has now tied up 33 acquisitions over the past four years.

Chess director Richard Btesh said Chess is able to tailor deals to fit with the seller’s requirements.

“Rapid market consolidation means our list is always growing and our flexibility and reputation enables us to approach increasingly significant targets. Expect to see more Chess acquisition news coming soon,” he said.

Alan Snelling, director of CI Wholesale, said: “Investment in our customers is key, mixed with Chess’ proven track record at making such successful acquisitions, we knew this flexible deal would give us the best value for us, and more importantly, our customers.”