Check Point partner NTS gobbled by Capita

Security VAR finds buyer in shape of Capita IT Services

Network Technology Solutions (NTS) has become the latest specialist security VAR to sell up after agreeing a deal with outsourcing giant Capita.

Capita today announced that its IT Services wing has purchased the Check Point and Juniper partner, which employs 46 staff in its offices in London and West Yorkshire.

Peter Hands, executive director of Capita IT Services, said: "NTS has clients across many of the sectors in which we operate and has a strong reputation as a trusted provider of security technology and support.

"As part of our technology solutions division, NTS will strengthen our security capability and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our clients across the UK."

NTS is the latest in a growing line of boutique security VARs to sell up to a larger player, with Vistorm's sale to EDS, NTT Com's acquisition of Integralis, Data Integration's purchase by Exchanging and Security Partnerships' acquisition by Bytes among other recent examples.

Capita recently revealed it splurged £271m on 13 acquisitions last year.

Charles Sweeney, chief executive of NTS vendor partner Bloxx, welcomed the news.

"Whilst we recognise that NTS and Capita are two very different organisations with very different approaches to the market place, we see the acquisition as an opportunity to grow and develop our business," he said. "Capita has a big customer and prospect base giving us the opportunity to get in front of a more diverse range of prospects in more sectors."