Streamwire buys Apple firm in 'match made in heaven'

IT services provider Streamwire closes deal for Apple support and services firm EvEnt Computer Services

IT services firm Streamwire has acquired Apple specialist EvEnt Computer Services, claiming the deal is a "match made in heaven".

Based in Stansted, privately owned EvEnt specialises in providing services and support for Apple Macs, iPhone and iPad devices.

Anne Stokes, Streamwire CEO, said the deal - for an undisclosed amount - was made because the two companies share very similar principles.

"I've always kept my eyes open in terms of looking at businesses that share the same culture and value," she said. "You keep your eyes open, and then you get lucky and you spot something that really does fit on a number of levels.

"EvEnt has been around for over 25 years and has built a fantastic reputation in really demanding client environments. Some of their clients they have had for over 20 years - to be able to have that consistency and trust is really important.

"This was an organisation that shares the same value around being flexible to customers and providing a responsive service. It seemed like a match made in heaven."

Stokes added she was also attracted to EvEnt's OptiPlus consultancy service, which provides customers with assessments of their IT infrastructure.

"This [OptiPlus] is fantastic," she said. "It gives the ability to have an honest assessment for IT landscapes [and] to give informed assessments about what they [customers] would like to spend their investment pounds on going forward, rather than being forced down a route they may not buy into."

Streamwire, which delivers end-to-end services and partners with Dell and Microsoft, does not have an Apple footprint, and Stokes said bringing this expertise on board will also be "very complementary".

"The breadth and depth they have in and around the Apple suite of offerings really strengthens what we do," she said.

Both Streamwire and EvEnt have similar sorts of clients, with both firms having a mix of private and public sector customers, according to Stokes.

Following the deal, which was privately funded, EvEnt is going to keep its Stansted location for at least the next five years, Stokes said.

EvEnt has a headcount of eight staff, but more will be recruited, Stokes said. The EvEnt brand will continue "for a lot of years".

Stephen Evans, EvEnt director, said he was very happy with the takeover.

"The ‘sleeves not suits' approach associated with Streamwire is totally refreshing and in tune with our own corporate ethos and people-focused approach to business," he said. "We have been operating for over 25 years and it is now time for the next step in our journey, one that we are delighted to be taking with Anne [Stokes] and the team at Streamwire."

Stokes added that more acquisitions from Streamwire in the services and support space could follow this deal.