A LEADING provider of business telephone systems has announced the acquisition of an Andover business as part of their ongoing growth strategy.

4Com announced that they have acquired Southern Business Communications (SBC) in what will be the sixth deal in just 14 months for the Bournemouth-based telecoms company and will see them purchase the company in its entirety.

Established in 1990, Southern Business Communications is a Hampshire-based telecommunications company supplying cloud telephone systems, internet, mobile and WiFi solutions throughout the UK.

The acquisition of SBC, completed on June 16, follows the purchase of Midshire Telecom, Eastern Voice and Data, Reach Digital Telecoms and the business telecoms customer bases of both Bluebell Cloud Solutions and Meridian IT Communications.  

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4Com’s Chief executive officer, Gary Scutt, said: “Our acquisition strategy continues to play an important role in accelerating our growth. To complete six deals in just 14 months is an incredible achievement with our honest approach starting to pay dividends. Southern Business Communications came directly to us through a recommendation from previously acquired business owners."

Director at SBC, Paul Holland, said: “We are very proud of everything we have achieved throughout our 33 years of business, and would particularly like to thank all of our customers who have trusted us for their telecoms services.

"We felt it was the right time to sell the business, and when we had our initial discussions with 4Com we just knew they were the right business to take us on, especially after talking to previous businesses they had acquired. We want to thank the whole team who have made this possible and look forward to the future of SBC under 4Com.” 

4Com’s chief financial officer, Andrew Whittaker, said: “As our core business continues to expand, we are constantly pursuing new acquisition opportunities which is why we are delighted to be purchasing Southern Business Communications.

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"SBC are already a successful business, built on a reputation offering innovative products and services which I know will complement and be a great asset to our business. I’d like to extend my thanks on behalf of the Company to all employees both here at 4Com and at SBC for their commitment and dedication in completing this acquisition.” 

Gary said: “With further acquisitions already in the pipeline, we are excited for the future of 4Com. I’d like to remind any businesses that are looking to sell their business or customer base to get in touch.

"With the increasing interest rates in the debt market, why take on that burden when you could simply sell a proportion of your customers to fund your business. We look forward to hearing from any further interested parties.”  

For more information on 4Com’s acquisitions process, and to request an informal, private conversation visit 4com.co.uk/acquisitions/.