A Lancashire-based e-commerce and online retail software firm has been acquired by Clearcourse in a move set to strengthen the tech group's business services division.
London-based Clearcourse announced the deal for Preston firm EKM, which employs 80 people, on Monday - for an undisclosed amount.
Clearcourse is a group of tech firms aiming to provide useful, integrated software solutions. CEO Gerry Gualtieri, said: “We are very pleased to announce that EKM will be joining the ClearCourse Group.
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"It is a fantastic business which has grown from strength to strength since its inception, and we are excited to learn from the expertise of Antony and his team.
"EKM will bring a range of positive synergies to ClearCourse and our existing brands, and its acquisition will be a significant expansion of our e-commerce and retail offering.”
Founded in 2002, EKM claims to provide the UK’s leading independent e-commerce platform, delivering software that powers over £350m of transactions annually for its customer base of SME online retailers.
Antony Chesworth, founder and MD of EKM, said: “We are excited to be joining the ClearCourse Group, which will enable us to take the next steps in our nearly 20-year journey to help even more people to spend life doing something they love with their own easy-to-use online shop.
"The range of services, products and expertise within ClearCourse offers great synergies to our customers and will help us to grow their online businesses even further. “
ClearCourse was advised by Squire Patton Boggs, Alvarez & Marsal and Crosslake. EKM was advised by Preston Napthens office, Convex Capital, and MHA Moore & Smalley..
