Focus Group acquires STL Communications as M&A spree continues

The Sussex-based firm struck a deal with STL after assessing its management team, customer base, revenue and 'impressive' organic growth

Focus Group is setting its sights on regional growth as it confirmed its acquisition of unified communications provider STL Communications.

The Sussex-based firm struck a deal with STL after assessing its management team, customer base, revenue and "impressive" organic growth.

Focus says the acquisition will help in its strategy to provide full national coverage to over 25,000 customers across the UK, with STL providing a "strategic foothold" in servicing the M4 corridor and into the Midlands.

Ralph Gilbert, co-founder and director at Focus Group said: "The acquisition of STL is another landmark transaction for Focus; the business is really highly regarded in the channel, and we're delighted to welcome them to the Group.

"We have developed a very considered approach to acquisitions over recent years, and carefully target the right businesses off-market, rather than waiting for sellers to come to us."

It is not the first acquisition Focus Group has made this year - in March it also acquired Derby-based communications specialist Evad to support the company's "ambitious plans for growth and development into new sectors".

Gilbert added that STL has the "perfect blend of high-quality management, positive culture, long-standing customer relationships, and high levels of organic growth".

The acquisition will see founder STL founder Brendon Cross continue to consult for the business, whilst investment into the wider team is planned to fuel further growth.

The company will continue to operate under its name for the foreseeable future.

Cross said the deal is a "fantastic opportunity for all STL customers and staff as the group looks to build on the excellent reputation forged locally over the past twenty-seven years".

"Rarely are the corporate synergies and cultural alignments as strong as they are with STL and Focus Group and we're all looking forward to the next exciting stage of the STL story as part of the Focus Group," he added.