A second takeover for consortium.

Byline: HENRYK ZIENTEK

A CONSORTIUM of businessmen have followed up their takeover of a Brighouse firm with another acquisition.

Bosses at software systems supplier Concorde Informatics Ltd have bought Morley-based IT business Phase CRS Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

Phase CRS, which was formed in 1985, is a well established IT service and solutions company with more than 100 contract clients across the UK. It employs 24 people and has a turnover of almost pounds 2m.

Both acquisitions have been made by Concorde Excel Holdings Ltd, a new company set up by the consortium.

As part of the latest deal Phase CRS owner and managing director Chris Walker becomes a shareholder in Concorde Excel Holdings and takes on the role of technical operations director at Concorde Informatics.

Colin Meakin, who set up the consortium and is now Concorde Informatics managing director, said the two businesses fitted together well.

He said: "Phase has an excellent client base and different geographic strengths from Concorde Informatics, which will stretch our service coverage to all corners of the UK. It will also give us better buying power and better prices for our clients."

He added: "I've known Chris for more than 30 years, since we worked Phase CRStogether at Systime, and I'm delighted we have been able to complete the deal."

Mr Walker said: "Having started Phase CRS nearly 25 years ago I'm proud of the company's success and now we can benefit from becoming part of a bigger entity.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of helping Colin to develop the Concorde Informatics business."

Marcus Armstrong, of Leeds commercial law firm Lupton Fawcett, and James White, of accountants Brown Butler, were Concorde Excel Holdings' advisers on the acquisition.

The deal comes less than a month after Mr Meakin and a group of local businessmen including Barry Roberts, the founder and former chief executive of ICM Computer Group plc, acquired Concorde Informatics in a buy in management buy-out deal.

Said Mr Meakin: "Discussions between Concorde Informatics and Phase began several months ago, but the new ownership consortium was the key to completing the deal.

"We are committed to growing the business and will be looking for more acquisition opportunities in the future."

Concorde Informatics Ltd was established in 1985.

Long-term clients include Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Jewsons Ltd, Birkby-based Marshalls plc, Rugby League club Bradford Bulls and several police authorities around the UK.

CAPTION(S):

BUYING POWER: Colin Meakin and Barry Roberts of Concorde Informatics, are pictured with Marcus Armstrong of commercial law firm Lupton Fawcett, James White and Chris Walker (s)