Telecoms specialist Chess ICT completes latest acquisition

Chess ICT, which has offices in Alderley Edge and Burnley has expanded with the acquisition of an independent billing specialist.

Telecoms specialist Chess ICT has purchased TMS which was founded in 2001 by Suzanne and David Chappell. Headquartered in Oxfordshire, it offers independent channel support services to the UK telecoms industry.

The business brings Chess a range of voice and data specialties, as well as more than 100 channel partners and resellers. The existing team, including operations director Helen Booker, will remain in place.

Chess founder and chief executive David Pollock said: “I’ve always been an admirer of the TMS business. For a long time now, we’ve had an aspiration to acquire the company if the opportunity presented itself. Their experience and reputation will really enhance relationships with our partners.

“We look forward to working with Helen, the TMS people and partners, and very much welcome them to the Chess family.”

Suzanne Chappell – who is retiring – added: “The next stage of TMS’s journey is going to be exciting as part of team Chess. I know that our senior management and team members will thrive, with its greater scale in sales and support and award-winning workplace ethos.”

“I know that our senior management and team members will thrive as part of Chess, with its greater scale in sales and support and award-winning workplace ethos. With our years of channel focus and expertise and 112 loyal partners, we bring real value to Chess’s partners.”

With over 100 acquisitions to its name, Chess continues to seek companies that will enhance its product portfolio and bring new people, skills and expertise to its growing team.