Chess checkmates 35th firm

Cheshire-based telecoms VAR snaps up customer base of XTel Communications

Pollock: Expect to see more Chess acquisition news coming soon

Telecoms VAR Chess has made its fourth acquisition of 2009 and its 35th of the past five years by snapping up the database of XTel Communications.

The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, will add £500,000 to Chess’s turnover.

The deal covers calls and lines only, with XTel continuing to maintain the customers’ phone systems. XTel will also build a further customer base to sell to acquisitive Chess at a later date.

Cheshire-based Chess placed 32nd on the 2008 Tech Track list of fast-growing tech firms after growing sales by an average of 83 per cent to £20.7m over a three-year period.

Chess chief executive David Pollock claimed the VAR is consolidating the telecoms sector.

“2009 is a great opportunity for growth for Chess and we have a proven track record of success. Expect to see more Chess acquisition news coming soon,” Pollock said.

Adrian Jackson, managing director of XTel, said: “Chess has a proven track record at making successful acquisitions,. We knew this flexible deal would give the best value for us, and more importantly, our customers. I am very confident the transition will be a smooth one and our customers will be more than satisfied.”

Chess has racked up three other deals in 2009, including Bridgend-based JVH Group and north east-based CI Wholesale. It now claims to have a turnover of £27m.