Version 1 hoovers up Oracle ERP business of DSP

Acquisitive Oracle Platinum Partner claims move consolidates its position as go-to ERP specialist, as both firms embark on growth drive

Ambitious MSP Version 1 has snapped up the Oracle ERP business of London-based Database Service Provider (DSP) Global for an undisclosed sum.

The firm is an Oracle Platinum Partner with £55m revenue and 750 employees in offices across the UK and Ireland. Employees and customers of the divested business have already been transferred to Version 1.

It is the sixth acquisition by Version 1, the previous being Midlands-based Oracle E-Business Suite specialist Patech Solution in 2015.

Justin Keatinge (pictured), CEO of Version 1, said the business was a good fit. "Today's announcement firmly establishes Version 1 as the market leader in UK and Ireland for Oracle ERP consulting, implementation and managed services," he said. "It further consolidates our position as the Oracle partner of choice for customers requiring integrated end-to-end services and joined-up expertise across Oracle applications, database, hardware and cloud.

"We are delighted to strengthen our ERP Practice through this acquisition, welcoming a team of highly skilled Oracle ERP specialists and new customers in travel/hospitality, retail, utilities, gaming and betting, financial services, professional services and high-tech industries," he added.

"This deal is the latest step in our acquisition programme, which is focused on reinforcing our ability to deliver a complete line of solutions and services across our main technology partnerships with Oracle, Microsoft and Amazon."

Simon Goodenough, executive chairman of DSP, said the de-merger allows his firm to focus on other key areas.

"As part of our core strategy to be at the forefront of the UK's Database Managed Service market, we are delighted to have found, in Version 1, a good home for our Oracle ERP consulting practice and its clients," he said.

"This de-merger allows us to rapidly increase the rate of investment in our Oracle and Microsoft SQL core technology managed services, as well as continue to innovate and develop our Oracle Cloud and Microsoft Azure solutions. Having acquired Oracle Support provider FSR Management last year, we envisage further inorganic growth during 2016 as we strive to go the extra mile for our clients. These are exciting times."