The deal

A Dorset-based IT consultancy firm has been acquired by one of the UK’s leading independent technology service providers, in a deal supported by our Corporate Finance team.

Founded in 1987, Silversands Limited is a Microsoft-certified partner and IT consultancy. It works with over 100 customers from both the public and private sector, including the NHS and London Fire Brigade, to help them make the most of Microsoft workplace and cloud technology.

The business has been acquired by Chess ICT – one of the UK’s leading independent technology companies – which supports over 25,000 different organisations, including Everyman Cinema and Williams, in protecting their data and digitally connecting people. Chess ICT celebrates its sixteenth consecutive year as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For, a testament to their ongoing commitment to creating a workplace that values, supports, and inspires its people.

Our Manchester Corporate Finance team was appointed by Silversands to advise on the deal, which will see its team of 29 technology specialists join Chess ICT, further enhancing its capability across platforms including Microsoft 365 and Azure. Meanwhile the deal will also support the growth of Silversands, as it benefits from being part of a larger organisation that it strongly aligns with.

Our team, led by Partner Adrian Gare, Director Daniel Brecker, and Assistant Manager Bushra Bariwala, was involved at all stages of the deal. We helped Silversands to identify the right buyer, before supporting with negotiations and then managing the financial due diligence, helping to secure a positive outcome for all parties.

Daniel Brecker, Director at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “This is an exciting deal in the Microsoft IT consultancy space – an area where we expect there to be continued consolidation. In Silversands, Chess ICT have acquired a complementary product set and a highly skilled team of consultants and developers. There is a strong cultural and strategic fit as Chess ICT will benefit from the strong alignment between the two businesses which will help further strengthen and diversify Chess ICT’s product and services offering to its customers.”

Susan Jones, Managing Director of Silversands Ltd, said: “Chess ICT is an acquirer with a strong strategic fit and a great home for Silversands, with a strong pattern of success in the past and having been recognised as one of UK’s Best Companies to Work For, for sixteen consecutive years. I wish them every success and hope to see the business continue to develop. The support provided by Daniel at the team at FRP Corporate Finance was second to none and helped us to achieve such a positive outcome that puts Silversands in a good position moving forwards.”