Impera becomes 365 iT

Acquisitive VAR group Impera has changed its name to 365 iT and is jumping on the acquisition bandwagon.

The firm, which now intends to trade through its wholly owned subsidiary 365 iTechnology, acquired IBM and HP VAR Dynax last year (CRN 14 January 2008) and has this week acquired unified communications specialist 5i for an undisclosed sum.

Commenting on the name change, chief executive Peter MacLean, said: “Implementing the name change to 365 iT better positions our brand identity and emphasis’s our founding principles of innovation, quality and services.

“We have reached a key point in the development of the group and it is essential that we present the right image and brand as we continue our expansion in the IT services sector.”

365 iT’s acquisition of 5i, which is a Cisco and Microsoft UC partner, will see the company continue to trade under the 5i brand with the existing management team in place.

MacLean added: “This is the next step in the evolution of our service portfolio and sees us entering a new phase in our development as we continue our growth and acquisition strategy.

“The deal enables 365 iT to focus on its core strengths and to deliver UC services and solutions to a growing number of UK businesses.”

MacLean said the firm intends to also maintain a 15 per cent annual organic growth rate on top of its acquisition strategy.

Peter Howells, managing director of 5i, said: “Becoming part of an ambitious IT services group was a natural progression for our business and it fits with our strategy for continued growth, both in terms of profitable revenues and the extended services our partners and their customers demand.”