2e2 set to float after Prime buy

Reseller group to join Alternative Investment Market

IT reseller group 2escape2 (2e2) has acquired voice and data VAR Prime Business Solutions for £22m, as 2e2 prepares to float on the Alternative Investment Market.

Prime is based in Newbury and employs 130 people. The company posted a turnover £26m for its fiscal year 2004. 2e2 received £6.6m in investment in July from venture capitalist Gresham to grow its business. It has since made five acquisitions.

Matt Franklin, managing director of Prime, said in a statement: "As part of the 2e2 group of companies, Prime has increased financial capability to execute its acquisition strategy and leverage its position in providing converged voice and data solutions."

A 2e2 representative said there will be no redundancies at Prime.

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