The corporate team at Cobbetts LLP in Leeds has advised Wetherby-based IT infrastructure provider, Esteem Systems Limited on its acquisition of SiRViS IT Holdings Limited which provides IT services and support throughout the UK and Europe.

Backed by Primary Capital and Lloyds TSB, the acquisition is Esteem’s second deal of the year following the purchase of Oracle services provider, MIDAS IT Solutions in May 2010.   

Founded in 1985, Esteem provides businesses with IT infrastructure management services that improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs. Some of its notable clients include BT, Balfour Beatty and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust.

Woking-based SiRViS, which trades as Linetex and ATM, employs 130 people and provides both on-site and remote, IT services and support. Linetex and ATM will continue to be managed as a separate division by its current management team.

Joe Connolly, CEO of Esteem Systems commented “Our aim this year is to grow Esteem to a thriving £60m business both organically and through acquisition, despite difficult market conditions, so the acquisition of SiRViS is an important part of this strategy.  SiRViS will complement our specialised managed services portfolio with its reputable outsourced customer and IT service capabilities and doubles the size of our business to 230 employees. We look forward to welcoming the SiRViS team to the Esteem group”.

The team at Cobbetts in Leeds, which comprised corporate partner, Guy Jackson, associate, Nia Bryan, and solicitor, Matthew Davies, advised Esteem Systems Limited on the acquisitions of both Sirvis and MIDAS IT Solutions.

Guy Jackson said: "For Esteem, the acquisition of Sirvis will enable the company to develop its offering into the outsourced customer services and IT services sectors, which have experienced rapid growth in recent months as businesses look to reduce costs and improve operational flexibility.

"The deal illustrates that the banks and equity houses are in the market to support first class management teams and businesses with solid growth prospects."