Aris expands UK presence with Barefoot

Seattle-based services company Aris has increased its coverage of the UK market by acquiring Barefoot Computer Training, tripling its local facilities.

The US consultancy and training firm, which specialises in educating corporates to use Microsoft software, bought Oxford Computer Group in February 1997 as its first UK foray. Hugh Simpson-Wells, Oxford's MD, will take over the UK operation when it is merged with Barefoot.

Aris already possessed an undisclosed share in Barefoot Training, but took over the whole company in return for Aris stock worth $7.8 million.

According to Paul Song, Aris chief executive and president, the deal will increase the number of London-based classrooms under Aris' control from 17 to 26.

Aris also expects to increase the training it offers on Microsoft packages.

'The addition of Barefoot gives our UK operations considerable economies of scale,' Song said.