Exertis IT bolsters sustainability push with Group 8 acquisition

The distribution giant claims latest purchase will help expand its circular economy offering

Exertis IT has acquired Apple service provider Group 8 to continue building out its circular economy capabilities.

The acquisition of 20-year-old Apple Authorised service provider Group 8 for an undisclosed sum, gives Exertis access to its range of specialist services including Apple product support and repair covering MacBooks, iMacs, iPads, iPhones and Apple Watches, a collect and return repair service; and support contracts. It will also see the distributor lease a bigger facility to aid its circular expansion.

Group 8 business owners Terry Fannin, Verinica Child and David Meehan will continue working in the business.

Tim Griffin, CEO of Exertis IT (pictured), said: “We’re delighted to welcome Group 8 into our family, and we extend a warm welcome to the entire company.

“Group 8’s principals and business approach not only significantly add value to the capabilities we’re proud to offer our new and existing customers but having them on board also aligns with the execution of our ‘second life’ strategy and our wider sustainability efforts. I look forward to a successful partnership,” he said.

Currently, Exertis IT offers circular economy services via its MTR Group subsidiary, which specialists in the refurbishment and resale of mobile devices, and offers Samsung-accredited refurbished handsets. Following this acquisition Group 8’s team will work with MTR in helping to extend the lifespan of devices, reducing waste and boosting resource efficiency.

Earlier this month the distributor announced a collaborative partnership with Circular Computing to supply its customers with carbon-neutral refurbished Dell, HP and Lenovo laptops.

Rod McCarthy, group managing director at Exertis, added: “The acquisition of Group 8 is a fantastic addition to Exertis IT’s group service strategy.

“With circular economy regulations on the horizon, Group 8 joining our business is an integral part of our strategy to progress our business, and those of our customers’, into the second life market.”