Focus Group resumes buyout drive with Matrix247 deal

This marks the first in six acquisitions planned by the VAR this year

Focus Group has purchased Matrix247 to boost its contact centre as a service (CCaaS) and managed IT offering.

This acquisition will aim to enhance Focus Group’s customer-centric solutions offering to businesses across the UK.

Operating since 1991, Lancashire-based Matrix247 provides comms, IT, and mobile services to SMEs and mid-tier legal sector firms across the North.

Through its buyout of Task OS in 2021, Matrix247 deepened its IT technical activities in managed IT and security services and grew its reach into the education sector.

The company is also involved in legal services.

Its CCaS offering also aligns with Focus Group’s recent investment in Make.Contact, a Puzzel partner.

Puzzel is a Norwegian vendor that provides CCaaS to help businesses manage operations across various channels.

"It’s clear we share a like-minded vision, and this partnership enables us to leverage the combined strengths of Matrix 247’s and Focus Group’s proficiency in comms, IT, and cybersecurity,” said Stephen Pritchard, CEO of Matrix247.

“Their scale, expertise, and investment will enable us to build upon the fantastic work our team has already achieved, further enhancing our solutions for our customers while maintaining the exceptional service we are known for."

Neil Hall, CEO of Focus Group, added: "The team’s technical and service capabilities have resulted in an excellent rate of growth for the business, and they have an enviable ability to attract and convert new customers, while confidently delivering and supporting new implementations.

“We're eager to continue building upon this success and the partnership will further enhance our CCaaS and managed IT offering for the wider group.”

Matrix247 will continue to operate under its name for now.

Sussex-based VAR Focus Group has shown an acute appetite for mergers last year, making ten purchases in 2024, including Prism, Make.Contact, TMAC, Silver Lining, Entropie, Cellular Solutions, Midland Telecom, Datasharp, Pinnacle, and RPM Communications.

In an interview with CRN, Rhys Bailey, CRO at Focus Group, explained that the VAR intends to make around six investments throughout 2025.

“Three to four of those will be hosted comms focused, connectivity focused, and then two or three will be more IT focused,” he said.