Jan 2024
CM&A are pleased to announce that it has supported GCC Group, a leading Microsoft and Sage Business Applications Solutions and Managed IT Services provider, in their sale just before Christmas to Xperience Group, a Bowmark Capital backed digital solutions specialist that has grown organically and through acquisition to over £30m in revenue.
GCC is a leading Business Applications Solutions (ERP and CRM) and Managed IT Services provider, supporting over 600 clients in complimentary sectors to Xperience including: Not for Profit, Professional Services, Wholesale, Distribution and Financial Services.
The acquisition of GCC is the third in 24 months for Xperience, and its first since Bowmark Capital invested in the business. Over this time, its headcount has more than doubled to over 230 employees, client numbers have increased to 1,400 and turnover is now in excess of £30 million.
The GCC acquisition also strengthens Xperience’s growing network of offices across the UK including Peterborough, Bury St Edmunds, Glasgow, Lisburn, London and Gloucester. Following the acquisition, GCC will trade under the Xperience brand.
Ed Groome, who led the completion of the transaction for CM&A, said “It’s been a pleasure working with Chris and the wider GCC team over recent months, initially to find the best buyer for the business and then to deliver the completed deal. Xperience is the ideal home for GCC, with a deep market knowledge and an appetite for growth that will ensure GCC’s customers and employees thrive.”
Iain O’Kane, CEO, Xperience says; “Xperience is a rapidly growing business with a strong management team, financial track record and a successful history of acquiring high performing businesses. The acquisition of GCC is strategically important as Xperience continues to build out its Business Application capabilities, enhancing our client proposition and broadening our footprint in the UK.”
Chris Harthman, CEO at GCC, comments; “Over the last thirty years we have built a leading IT Solutions provider. Our ambition has always been to join forces with a company that shared our values and could continue to support our business strategy. As the relationship with Iain and his wider team has developed, it has been clear to me that Xperience represents a great home for GCC, and I am excited about what this transaction will provide to both our valued customers and quality team.”
Regarding working with CM&A he added: “We appointed Consulting M&A because of their knowledge of the IT services market and Microsoft in particular, as well as their experience in delivering successful transactions in the sector. I’m delighted with the outcome here – Bruce and Ed helped ensure we found the best buyer for GCC to secure its future and optimise the outcome for all parties. Their continued support and advice throughout the due diligence and execution phase was second to none.”