Shaw Gibbs has helped Xeretec, the leading supplier and integrator of digital print hardware and software solutions, in its purchase of the managed print and printer supply parts of First Choice Business Systems Limited, a Kent-based print and document management solutions provider.

Shaw Gibbs played a major role in the due diligence reporting on the target business and provided ongoing advice in respect of the transaction.

The acquisition is set to benefit both companies’ new and existing customers by combining their close ties with Xerox, their print industry contacts, technical knowledge and market expertise. 

Paul Wilson, Shaw Gibbs Corporate Finance Manager, congratulates Xeretec Managing Director Steve Hawkins and Group Finance Director Alyn Jenkins on bringing First Choice into the Xeretec family: ”This is a deal which adds genuine value to the business and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of this impressive group,” he says.

This is the second transaction for Xeretec which Shaw Gibbs has advised on. Last year the Group acquired fellow Xerox reseller Bytes Document Solutions Limited, a deal which placed Xeretec as the largest Xerox reseller in Western Europe.

When the acquisition was announced in June 2015, Xeretec Managing Director Steve Hawkins said: “Exceptional service delivery combined with pioneering solutions are some of the values shared between First Choice and Xeretec. The acquisition will further increase our presence as well as our ability to serve even more businesses nationwide. The success of our ongoing growth path has already been recognised by The London Stock Exchange and we are thrilled that it recently listed Xeretec in its annual ‘1000 companies to Inspire Britain’ report. Xeretec also obtained recognition in The Sunday Times’ BDO Profit Track 100 league table. This acquisition helps us continue this journey and we are excited for both our customers and our expanding team.”

Nationwide, Xeretec helps organisations ranging from large corporate offices to commercial printers in the graphic arts sector, assisting and advising on matters relating to intelligent print management, improved document security, regulatory compliance, tighter cost control and enhanced productivity. 

Legal advice for the acquisition was provided by Osborne Clarke, Reading.