Managed network services provider EvolveODM has acquired Preston, UK-based IT services firm GB3 from EG Group.
GB3, which has 45 employees and a ten-year track record in IT support, will become a sister brand to EvolveODM, which is based in nearby Wigan, Lancashire.
EvolveODM has grown from nine employees to 45 since 2018. Its customers include retail, hospitality, leisure, fuel and food-to-go firms, such as Robinsons Brewery and Hydes Brewery, and EG Group-supported brands and franchises like KFC, Starbucks, ESSO, BP and Leon.
The acquisition was backed by Barclays Corporate Bank and will help EvolveODM’s bid to grow its business amongst networks of restaurants, convenience stores, fuel forecourts and other sectors.
Over the next three years, EvolveODM aims to double its network management footprint from 7,500 locations to 15,000. The group estimates its newly combined offering could result in up to 40 new jobs being created within the Lancashire area by 2025.
Alan Stephenson-Brown, director at Evolve Business Group, said: “We’ve been working closely with GB3 recently to fulfil mutual customer contracts, so we knew that acquiring it would help us create a broader IT services business with a more expansive offering for our customers.
“This acquisition helps us on our mission to become an indispensable technology partner to retail, hospitality and petroleum franchises. The two companies provide truly complementary services, and together create a centre of excellence for IT in Lancashire’s growing digital sector.”
