Member Article

Elitetele.com acquires Support Span

Privately-owned Elitetele.com PLC, a leading provider of unified communications, has agreed its latest acquisition, Support Span Group Ltd (trading as HighSpan) a specialist provider of telephony system solutions, with expertise in converged Voice and Data networks, IP Telephony and high-touch nationwide support and maintenance services. The acquisition is Elite’s 16th since 2008

As part of its comprehensive product set, Elite has always provided, installed and supported telephony systems. In 2017 Elite’s expanded sales team won several new system support contracts. Previously the firm has sub-contracted to a trusted engineering firm specialising in telephone system hardware, installs and maintenance – Support Span.

Matt Newing, Founder, Elitetele.com says, “It made perfect sense to acquire Support Span as we knew them well and they have been a trusted business partner for many years. As a result, we understand how they work, their skillset and expertise, and in turn they understand how we work and our clients. By acquiring Support Span we are bringing on board a highly sought after and experienced engineering team, together with account managers and contract managers who live and breathe telephony systems and maintenance support from whom we know our customers will benefit.”

Rick Pearce, Founder and Managing Director, Support Span Group Ltd says, “We’ve worked well with Elite for years so it made sense when we came to look at selling the business to talk

to them. The combined group will now be able to qualify for Mitel gold status accreditation which will benefit our customers and Elites by providing a more competitive offer. Our customers will also have access to Elite’s comprehensive range of unified communication solutions and IT services.“

Post completion, Elite will have over 180 staff across seven locations, with Support Span contributing 13 staff. Initially Support Span will be dual branded Elitetele.com and later operate under the Elite brand.

Rob Burbidge, CFO, Elite Group and Alex Cliffe, Commercial Director led the acquisition for Elite, with Gareth McIntegart, Elite’s Legal Counsel, providing legal advice. Leveraged finance was provided by the company’s existing lender, Lloyds Banking Group. Support Span was represented by Fieldfisher LLP.

Elite intends to continue to grow by organic and acquisitive means, and Rob and Alex are actively looking for IT businesses to buy that compliment Elite’s existing product offering.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elitetele.com .