Northgate gets green light for Anite takeover

Office of Fair Trading decides not to refer the acquisition to competition commission

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has given VAR Northgate Information Solutions the green light to complete its takeover of IT services firm Anite Public Sector Holdings.

Initially the £50m deal was announced in the summer, but was put on hold while the OFT examined the takeover (Channelweb, 1 August).

Following a lengthy evaluation of information, the OFT decided not to refer the offer toe Competition Commission under the provisions of the Enterprise Act.

David Meaden, chief executive of Northgate Public Services, said: “We are delighted that the OFT has cleared this deal and we anticipate completion later this month. We have an excellent operational management team and a strong track record of integrating 11 acquisitions in the last five years.

“This deal expands our public services business and extends our commitment to support excellence in the public sector at a time when the economic challenges our clients face have never been greater.”