Chess: We're the channel's acquisition grandmaster

Reseller claims treble swoop sends clear message to owner-managers looking to sell up

Chess claims its feat of making three acquisitions inside a month has sealed its status as the "stand-out choice" for potential sellers in the IT and comms channel.

Last month, the Alderley Edge-based VAR snapped up Compwise Systems, the carrier services arm of Calyx and the business telecom assets of Businesscoms Consultancy.

The trio of acquisitions will add £8m to its £80m revenue run rate, as well as more than £1m in EBITDA.

Although the Calyx and Compwise deals came to light on the same day last month, the Businesscoms Consultancy acquisition was disclosed only today.

The deal for the Peterborough-based outfit was designed to boost Chess' customer base for fixed lines, calls and data provision.

Chess has now made more than 90 acquisitions in its history.

Chess director Richard Btesh (pictured) said last month's treble swoop sends a message to potential vendors that Chess is open for business.

"This demonstrates to other potential sellers in the telecoms, data and ICT sector that Chess remains the stand-out choice for those selling up all or part of their business," he said.