Major acquisition announced by West Yorkshire print management company

Print Solutions

Elland based family business, ABS UK Ltd, has acquired the North Wales company, Sapphire Business Systems, as part of a planned UK expansion programme.

The acquisition of Sapphire, which specialises in providing comprehensive technology solutions, including digital copier and printer services, was completed in March.

As part of a continuous growth strategy, the acquisition opens up new possibilities for the company, giving it an enhanced presence in both North Wales and North West England as well as allowing the firm to take on additional key field based skills.

Brett Abson, sales director at ABS UK, commented: Acquiring Sapphire Business Systems has allowed us to further extend our geographic reach without additional recruitment. Several of our existing service clients have operations in Wales and/or the North West and therefore this merger will allow us to provide them with even better support while accessing a predominantly technologically demanding commercial client base.’

Additionally, Sapphire Business Systems had a long established relationship with both Develop and Samsung and these partnerships match ABS UK’s developing engagement with these increasingly dominant manufacturers.

Brett added, ‘The cornerstone of our offering has always been an unwavering dedication to the highest standards of support – Sapphire was cut from the same cloth so the fit was both uncomplicated and obvious.’

Explaining the immediate impact of the acquisition Brett confirmed: ‘The acquisition also strengthens the business moving forward, adding around £10,000 per month in service revenue alone as part of an overall £350,000 to £400,000 per annum increase in turnover.’

As a well established company, ABS UK have a detailed growth strategy which includes doubling the size of the current client base through planned expansion; the acquisition of Sapphire was the first of three planned purchases over the next 18 months.