Trams starts 2009 acquisition ball rolling

Apple dealer on course to top £20m turnover mark after acquiring Fleet-based Rapid Group

VAR Trams has acquired Rapid Group in a move it claims will make it one of the largest business-to-business Apple dealers in Europe.

The London-based reseller, which also specialises in HP, said the purchase would boost its turnover to more than £20m and expand its technical services capabilities.

Trams managing director, Warren Peel, said: “Following our management buyout in 2003, we have been actively seeking to expand the business through new acquisitions. The acquisition of Rapid Group is a positive and significant step in our mission to provide improved value and benefits for our customers.”

Rapid directors Chris McGregor, Mike Saunders and Paul Hopkins will join Trams’ senior management team. But the deal will see Patrick Gleeson and Garrett Doyle depart to pursue other interests, the former after a six-month handover period and the latter with immediate effect.

Founded in 1990, Trams holds certifications with the likes of Apple, HP, Sun and Cisco and sells into the creative services, broadcast and business IT markets. In 2006 it became an EMC Insignia Velocity SMB partner.