Northern Ireland IT services company Xperience has bought an east England-based peer for an undisclosed sum.

The purchase of Bury St Edmond’s-based Green Duck is part of a strategic move to grow the company’s business across the UK, Iain O’Kane, CEO of Lisburn company Xperience, said.

Green Duck will adopt and trade under the Xperience brand, bringing total headcount at the firm to 123 and annual turnover to £16 million.

The combined company will serve more than 1100 clients, typically ranging between 10-100 users across the UK & Ireland.

The move follows the Xperience’s recent announcement of a £1.5 million investment in Lisburn earlier this year which created 16 jobs.

“Growth across the UK is a strategic priority for us, and Green Duck is a natural fit for our business with a similar culture and values,” Iain O’Kane, CEO, Xperience said. “Over the last two decades the team has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, and a strong track-record in client satisfaction.

“As part of Xperience, Green Duck will be able to access investment, a broader range of technical services, our dedicated Cloud service, plus a business that serves both the UK and Ireland.

Mr O’Kane said the popularity of home working has boosted demand.

“In addition, Green Duck business complements our existing cloud, cyber security and managed IT solutions. These are providing our clients with mobile and agile working, strengthened data security and putting data at the centre of their businesses. With the advent of hybrid working and the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, the acquisition of Green Duck provides Xperience with the opportunity to expand significantly in this area. We look forward to welcoming the Green Duck team to the Xperience family.”

Rod Jackson, CEO, Green Duck, welcomed the deal.

“We are proud to announce that Green Duck will be joining Xperience. As part of Xperience, our clients will continue to benefit from the services of Green Duck and have access to a broader range of resources plus the ability to support clients’ needs across the UK.”