Advance Peripheral Systems ltd, based in Worcester and London, has been acquired by Environmental Property Services plc in a deal where M3 Corporate Finance were lead advisors to the seller and also brokered the deal.

Advance Peripheral Systems Ltd (APS) is one of the most modern and innovative electronic security companies in the UK and winners of the 2007 CBI growing business award for the use of technology in business.  

The company has built up an enviable reputation for designing, installing and maintaining, state of the art systems such as CCTV, access control and fire alarms and also has specialist experience in providing high level protection for communication rooms and data centres. APS works for leading blue chip customers in a broad range of industries. 

EPS Security is already a major supplier of security services to the financial, private and public sectors but with the purchase of Advanced Peripheral Systems will increase the range of services offered and move EPS closer to their goal of providing all encompassing solutions to end users.  

 Paul Hutchinson, managing director for EPS Security, commented: "APS is an excellent strategic fit for EPS, not just by expanding our range of services but because of the remarkable similarities with our core values of being a modern, highly professional and totally service orientated business" 

"As a result of its customer focus and modern approach APS, has grown primarily by recommendation and has lead the way in introducing innovation to the electronic security sector. I firmly believe that integration into EPS plc will continue this trend and generate increased opportunities for both businesses"  

APS will continue to trade from its head office in Worcester although its London operation will now be based in the EPS plc headquarters in Orpington where it will benefit from the full resources of the parent company. 

Andy Fox, former MD and majority shareholder of APS commented: "I involved M3 early in the process to seek advise on timing and to test the market, and have been delighted with the service they provided. We received bids from multiple buyers, though the decision to go with EPS was an easy one as they were by far and away the best choice." 

Mark Crossfield, a partner at M3 said "We are very pleased to have been able to use our contacts to find so many high quality buyers like EPS. Having worked with Andy for a number of years, we knew the business well and were able to market it effectively. The sale transaction can be very complicated and time consuming for sellers, so I am very happy we were able to steer the parties and project manage the deal to a successful conclusion." 

For more information contact 0845 2700345 or email info@m3cf.co.uk

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