9. Focus Group
Deals announced in 2023: 2 (&Partners – August, Zest4 – January)
Appetite for M&A
This comms VAR hit the M&A trail in March 2020 following an investment from private equity house Bowmark Capital.
Its appetite for acquisitions shows no sign of waning. Having announced four acquisitions last year, in 2023 the West Sussex-based outfit has invested in channel-focused unified comms provider Zest4 and acquired cloud, cybersecurity and Microsoft specialist &Partners.
It billed the latter deal as a “transformative step as we introduce a new layer of Azure consultancy and Secure Managed Services to our existing Microsoft practice”.
Focus Group now has over 800 staff.
What they said
“The acquisition of &Partners underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the realms of Cloud and Cybersecurity. After a meticulous search, we found the perfect fit in &Partners, a partnership that aligns seamlessly with our vision and values,” – Focus Group CEO, Barney Taylor
Fun fact
Focus’ largest acquisition since Bowmark invested, South West Communications, was headed up by Tony Rowe OBE – who is also the CEO of rugby union club Exeter Chiefs.
