Sims snaps up tablet PC disposal firm

IT life cycle firm acquires Glasgow-based rival to capitalise on mobile device trend

Sims Recycling Solutions has acquired Glasgow-based IT asset recovery firm S3 Interactive (S3i) to tap into the growing demand for smartphone and tablet PC devices.

Sims' latest purchase was founded in 2004 and specialises in the recovery, repair and refurbishment of mobile computing devices.

In a statement, Sims confirmed that all S3i's staff and management will be kept on.

The deal is the second acquisition Sims has made in the past year, after it snapped up the recycling assets of rival IT disposal firm Wincanton back in August 2010.

Graham Davy, chief executive of Sims, said: "The acquisition of S3i will position [us] in the rapidly growing market of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers.

"The desirable outcome is to leverage S3i's sector leadership into our existing global operating infrastructure to grow this new segment," added Davy.

S3i founder Phillip Johnston, who will remain in place, said the acquisition will allow the company to push ahead with its growth plans.

"[The company] has achieved tremendous success in servicing our clients' needs, [but] we are now at a point that requires us to enter new markets and Sims provides the perfect platform to achieve this," explained Johnston.