Comms VAR Arrow snaps up Microsoft and Cisco partner

Arrow continues spending spree with fifth acquisition of M&A drive

Arrow Business Communications has acquired Cisco and Microsoft partner 360 Solutions as part of its aggressive M&A drive.

The comms VAR took on private-equity funding in 2016 and has since completed five acquisitions to boost its offerings in hosted, data and IT.

This latest deal is Arrow's largest to date and will see it strengthen its position in the Midlands.

"I am delighted that all of the 360 Solutions team will be joining Arrow and I am excited to see what their respective skill sets will bring to the wider team," said CEO Chris Russell.

"The acquisition further strengthens Arrow's presence in the East Midlands and increases our UK-wide footprint.

"We are looking forward to working with the team at 360 Solutions as they will help to broaden our product portfolio, particularly around our Skype for Business and PCI-compliant solutions, and will further enhance our Mitel capabilities and the technical skill set of the Arrow Group."

Burton-on-Trent-based 360 Solutions counts Cisco, Microsoft, Mitel, O2 and NetApp among its partners, and offers solutions including virtualisation, cloud and networking.

The firm's founder and main shareholder Oliver Marsden will remain with the business and manage a number of key customer accounts.

Marsden said: "Having started 360 Solutions with my brother Sam 15 years ago, I am excited to be joining a larger group that shares the same values and approach as I do. I can't wait to get started."