Glasgow VAR fulfils growth vision with second acquisition

Latest addition boosts group headcount to 170

Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider Boston Networks has made its second purchase of the year, by acquiring Newcastle-based 2020 Vision Systems.

Specialist investment fund Aliter Capital bought a major stake in Boston in January of this year.

Since then, the Glasgow-based VAR has undertaken a strategy to establish itself as the UK mind-market leader in "network-enabled smart integrated technologies to improve the performance safety and security of buildings, campuses and cities".

2020 Vision specialises in IP-enabled security technology and video surveillance and has a strong presence across the North-East, including an office in Birmingham.

Boston is using its funding from Aliter to grow organically as well as targeting complementary bolt-on acquisitions.

The deal (of which the financial details have not been disclosed) brings the headcount of the Boston Group to 170, after it previously acquired London-based audiovisual solutions provider PEL Services in April.

Scott McEwan, Boston Networks CEO, said: "We look forward to leveraging 2020's many years of experience of working in key areas of critical physical security, which will help us to drive towards the next phase of our growth as we continue to focus on applying technology to improve the performance, safety and security of people, buildings and assets.

"In particular this acquisition further deepens our services in the further education sector, enhances our existing security offering through the cloud platform and significantly spreads our geographic coverage."

Greig Brown, partner of Aliter Capital and chairman of Boston Networks, said that the latest acquisition is a strong fit for the VAR.

"2020 Vision Systems is a great addition and excellent fit for the Boston Group," he stated.

"In addition to the complementary solutions offering and strong management team, it is a significant step forward in our plan to create a national provider of integrated life safety, security and networking services, in key sectors, specifically targeting mid-market UK-based Blue-Chip companies."

Boston is also leading the £6m project to build and operate Scotland's national Internet of Things (IoT) network.

It reported turnover of £9.5m in its year ending 30 April 2018, according to accounts filed on Companies House.