Chess acquires £5m-turnover comms VAR Integra

Telecoms firm continues consolidating with deal for Mitel and Unify partner

Acquisitive telecoms outfit Chess has snapped up £5m-turnover Mitel and Unify partner Integra ICT.

The VAR has been in business for 20 years and employs 37 people, all of whom will remain in place at the firm's Bedfordshire HQ following its buyout (pictured above are Integra employees being welcomed by Chess managing director Stephen Dracup, centre). Chess chief executive David Pollock saluted the new addition's "outstanding reputation" as he welcomed its "vastly experienced team".

"We will rely on their knowledge and experience to guide our growth in cloud and ICT," he added.

The acquisition of Integra – which will retain its own brand name as part of the Chess Group – speaks to Chess' status as the UK's leading consolidator of the SMB telecoms market, claimed director Richard Btesh.

Pas Ruggiero, Integra's previous owner, said: "When Chess approached me and talked through their strategy, it became clear they were the right people to take over the business. Their long-standing reputation of successful acquisitions and experience showed through the process. I am confident Integra will continue to go from strength to strength working under the Chess brand."