Rival Redstone buys Xpert for €38m

DUBLIN IT systems company Xpert Technology has been snapped up by British rival Redstone for €38 million.

The Sandyford-based company, which was set up in 1994, will be taken over as part of a combined deal with its sister operation in Britain, Xpert Communications. The combined group employs 200 people, with Ireland accounting for 36 staff and approximately 25% of revenue.

The Irish operation focuses on IT hardware and systems integration, but the company's activities in Britain centre on telecoms, data and support services. The company recorded revenues of €40m last year but had been growing sales at 15% year-on-year. The Irish part of the business reported a sales hike of 30% earlier this year.