Acquisitive Chess strikes again

VAR snaps up three firms in the first few months of 2012, and admits it is hungry for more

Aggressive voice and data supplier Chess has announced a flurry of acquisitions in 2012, snapping up three competitors in the first four months of the year.

The firm’s acquisitions – Supply Communications, Rely Telecom and Deep Blue Networks Ltd will add £3.3m to its bottom line and an extra 1,500 customers.

David Pollock, chief executive of Chess, said in a statement: “2012 is set to be an exciting year for us as our acquisition list continues to grow. Our integration approach is the most advanced making us the market leader in consolidation of small to medium-sized telecoms resellers.”

The joint managing directors of one of the acquired firms, Supply Commmunications Nick Zammit and Mark Blackwell, have both set up other businesses, but were full of praise for how Chess handled their sale.

Zammit said: “Chess’ reputation as a leading consolidator is well justified. I couldn’t believe how easy they made the whole process, from making the offer, sticking to it, and completing the entire process within two weeks. Carrying on as a Chess wholesaler, I’m eager to grow my new business, Nix Group, which I aim to sell to Chess again in the future.”

Blackwell added: “We had been looking for a provider that could offer our customers exceptionally high levels of customer service and we certainly found that to be the case with Chess. If you're thinking of exiting, Chess are the people to speak to.”

Richard Btesh, director at Chess, hinted that the firm had plenty of fuel left in its acquisition tank.

“With the backing of Barclays Bank, we’ve a significant acquisition fund left to spend. We’re always on the lookout for new acquisitions and have the cash, experience and ability to move quickly,” he said.