CSI snaps up Orbital Integrated Solutions

Acquisitive mid-market player continues aggressive growth strategy with latest buy

CSI Group has bought IBM partner Orbital Integrated Solutions for an undisclosed sum as it continues its quest to become a mid-market behemoth.

The IBM Premier Partner and SAP Gold Partner was originally formed in 1983, but has been firmly on the acquisition path in recent years, after executive chairman Alan Watkins came on board through his PE firm Blackhawk Capital in 2012, with the strategy of targeting mid-market VARs and building a super-sized player.

Back in December it made two acquisitions in the same week – grabbing the SAP Business Objects Business of TAH for an undisclosed amount, and the IBM business of a yet unnamed firm.

Watkins said in a statement: “Our mission with the CSI Group has always been to grow the business to meet the challenges of tougher market conditions and address the needs of existing and future customers.

“Orbital won IBM’s Software Business Partner of the year in 2013 and IBM’s UK Technical Excellence Award in June of 2014. This acquisition will significantly strengthen our position as the UK’s next-generation solution provider.”