Bradford-based CCL Computers acquired by Tactus Group in deal that creates £125m business

The acquisition sees Tactus increase its headcount from 35 to 110 people and adds an e-commerce capability to its services.

Tactus Group provides IT hardware to global retailers and the public sector. It has trading relationships with corporate technology businesses such as Microsoft and Intel. Its product portfolio includes IT hardware, smart home technology and tech wearable apparel, which it retails through partnerships with ecommerce and high street retailers worldwide.

The deal has been funded by an £11.25m private equity investment, with lead investor Arete Capital Partners investing £10m, in addition to the group’s existing facilities.

The primary deal team comprised Gav Jones of Tactus and Mike Fletcher and Andy Critchley of Arete.

CCL is based in Bradford and specialises in building and reselling computer components to the gaming sector.

Working alongside gaming component suppliers including AMD, Intel and Nvidia, CCL builds bespoke PCs for customers ranging from retail consumers, businesses, public bodies, education and other resellers.

The firm has enjoyed a strong financial performance, with five consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth. Turnover for the last financial year was £65m, a rise of 66 per cent on 2019 figures.

Scott Brenchley, the CEO at Tactus Group, said: “A core part of our acquisition strategy over the next 12 months is to identify and bring together fantastic businesses that complement one another and can really drive our growth.

“CCL is a perfect example of this, with its longstanding reputation in the gaming market built on the outstanding talent it has at its disposal, as well as its dedication to providing the best quality products to consumers.

“Our aim now is to build on this foundation and grow the business exponentially over the next few years.”

Mike Fletcher, managing partner at Arete Capital Partners, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for Tactus Group, and further strengthens its position as a disruptive consumer tech expert.

“CCL is ideally placed to bolster Tactus’ credentials in the gaming space, which has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing sectors in recent months.

David Moore, chairman at Tactus Group, said: “The acquisition of CCL is a huge milestone for Tactus Group. In addition to creating a £125m turnover company, the deal provides us with the first opportunity to offer products directly to the consumer, making use of CCL’s outstanding e-commerce capabilities.

This deal represents an enormous step forward for the enlarged group, and we will continue to actively acquire businesses that add value to ourselves and our clients.”