Advanced Computer Software guns for further growth

Reseller posts revenue of £57m in its fiscal first half and plans to double in size in four years

Software firm and VAR Advanced Computer Software (ACS) aims to double in size over the next four years, replicating the success it has achieved since its establishment in 2008.

The reseller, which also aims to double its headcount to 2,000 by 2016, acquired former partner ATMS – a provider of warehouse management IT systems – last week, ahead of publishing its recent financial statement.

In the six months to 31 August, ACS Group saw pre-tax profit rise 45 per cent year on year to £4.5m on revenue that rose 20 per cent to £57m.

Its Health and Care arm posted a 19 per cent revenue increase to £13m, while its Business Solutions division's sales rose five per cent to £28m over the same period. Its managed services division, Advanced 365, posted a sales increase of 59 per cent to £16m.

ACS Group's chief executive Vin Murria said the company plans more of the same over the next four years in order to mirror the success of the firm's first four years.

She said: "We are focusing on growth by cross-selling and upselling; we want to add value to new products to help our customers grow. In just over four years we have built a substantial, cash-generative business, despite the economic backdrop.

"Our position and development have been based on a combination of strong organic growth – up another 10 per cent in the first half of this year – and complementary acquisitions."

It was confirmed today that Fabric Technologies, which was taken over by ACS in May, will be retired as a brand from 1 December following the aquisition's completion. Murria added that further takeovers could be on the cards for the firm.

"The next level for us is more of the same. ATMS is a small bolt-on and part of the bigger picture. We plan for organic growth as well as more strategic, sensible acquisitions."