Managed network solutions leader Evolve buys GB3 to create an IT services powerhouse in Lancashire, and aims to create 40 new jobs in the area within three years
Lancashire, UK – 16 November 2022
Wigan-based managed network services provider Evolve has acquired Preston-based IT firm GB3 from EG Group to create an IT services powerhouse in Lancashire. GB3, which has 45 employees and a 10-year track record in IT support, will become a sister brand to Evolve.
Evolve has grown from 9 employees to 45 since 2018. Its customers include retail, hospitality, leisure, fuel and food-to-go firms such as Robinsons Brewery and Hydes Brewery, and EG Group-supported brands and franchises like KFC, Starbucks, ESSO, BP and Leon.
The acquisition was backed by Barclays Corporate Bank and will help Evolve’s bid to grow its business amongst networks of restaurants, convenience stores, fuel forecourts and more over the next three years.
Over the next three years, Evolve aims to grow its network management footprint from 7,500 locations to 15,000. And the Group estimates that its new combined offering could result in up to 40 new jobs being created in the group within the Lancashire area by 2025.
Alan Stephenson-Brown, Director at Evolve Business Group, said: “We’ve been working closely with GB3 recently to fulfil mutual customer contracts, so we knew that acquiring GB3 would help us create a broader IT services business with a more expansive offering for our customers.
“This acquisition helps us on our mission to become an indispensable technology partner to retail, hospitality, and petroleum franchises. The two companies provide truly complementary services and together create a centre of excellence for IT in Lancashire’s growing digital sector.”
Barclays Corporate Bank provided acquisition finance for the deal. Shamir Patel, Relationship Director at Barclays Corporate Bank, said:
“Evolve is a thriving business looking to expand and grow. The new funding we’ve provided will enable it to broaden its offer to its client base and grow its market share.
“We’re also excited by the positive impact this will have on the Lancashire community. This deal can enhance the prospects of quality job creation in the innovative and thriving digital sector in the Lancashire region.”
The acquisition will lead to GB3’s customers benefiting from access to network management and Evolve’s 24/7 helpdesk. And Evolve’s customers will begin to enjoy access to IT strategy, due diligence, cybersecurity, IT security audit and cloud computing solutions.
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About Evolve Business Group and Evolve
Evolve Business Group is an independently-owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Comprising of the Evolve and GB3 brands, it is helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services, and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best.
Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps the networks of retail, hospitality, fast food and petroleum franchises compliant, protected and connected.
About GB3
GB3 is a technology solutions provider based in Preston in the North West of England, UK.
The business was created in 2012, and has become a trusted partner for an international base throughout the UK and Europe. It has a team of over 45 talented professionals that work across the organisation.
