Following the acquisition, Brendon Cross, founder of STL, will continue to consult for the business. STL Communications will operate under its existing brand name for the foreseeable future.
Ralph Gilbert, co-founder and director, Focus Group, said, “The acquisition of STL is another landmark transaction for Focus. Brendon and the business are really highly regarded in the channel, and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Group. We have developed a very considered approach to acquisitions over recent years, and carefully target the right businesses off-market, rather than waiting for sellers to come to us.
“STL has the perfect blend of high quality management, positive culture, long-standing customer relationships, and high levels of organic growth; we worked with Brendon over a number of months to find a transaction that worked for both parties, and we’re delighted with the outcome.”
Brendon Cross, chairman and founder, STL, added, “The acquisition by Focus Group represents a fantastic opportunity for all STL customers and staff as the group looks to build on the excellent reputation forged locally over the past twenty-seven years.
“Rarely are the corporate synergies and cultural alignments as strong as they are with STL and Focus Group and we’re all looking forward to the next exciting stage of the STL story as part of the Focus Group.”
Focus Group said STL was chosen for its strong management team, long-standing customer base, recurring revenue and organic growth. STL services the M4 corridor and the Midlands, which will help deliver on Focus Group’s strategy to provide full national coverage to its 25,000 customers.
In the image above, Rhys Bailey, sales director, Focus Group, Brendon Cross, chairman and founder, STL Communications, Vicki Rishbeth, technical director, Focus Group, and Barney Taylor, CEO, Focus Group, are pictured left to right.