Air IT 'doubles in size' following double acquisition

MSP expands into London and Birmingham through duo of deals

Air IT has "doubled in size" after completing the acquisitions of two managed service providers.

The deals for Netstar and Microtrading will see Nottingham-based Air IT expand into London and Birmingham respectively, as part of a growth plan put in motion when August Equity invested in the firm earlier this year.

CEO John Whitty (pictured) said: "Since the investment and commitment made by August Equity Partners to back our growth strategy, the team have been hunting for solid businesses who share our dedication and ability to serve the SME market.

"We are delighted to have found these, despite the recent pandemic, with Netstar and Microtrading who are both extremely capable, successful, and exciting businesses with very talented teams, which will result in the doubling of staff to 140 people.

"Like Air IT, they are both famous for delivering excellent service whilst also sharing our strong cultural values.

"These acquisitions represent the first step towards achieving both our organic and acquisitive goals which is supported by a strong and mature pipeline of similar deals."

Microsoft Gold partner Netstar was founded in 2002 and claims to support over 150 businesses in London, predominately in the financial services, professional services and property industries.

Mit Patel, founder of Netstar, said: "We are delighted to join the Air IT group.

"Netstar has consistently invested in our people, systems, processes and product portfolio and we will continue to provide excellent service and strategic technology advice to our customers.

"Our clients will now further benefit from a broader service portfolio, including Cyber and Business Intelligence (BI) Solutions."

Meanwhile Microtrading was founded in 1981 and is partnered with the likes of Microsoft and HP.

Joint managing directors Andy Penlington and Neil Marlowe said: "We have spent almost 40 years developing and growing our business into a successful and agile organisation, and the time is right to take the next step and allow our customers to benefit from our significant joint capability and technical investment.

"We are all very pleased that the Air IT values and culture are extremely close to those already present within Microtrading, which will make the integration of the businesses so much easier."