Keebles acts for Hull software specialist in global acquisition

17th January 2019

Keebles' corporate and commercial department has represented Hull-based APD Communications which has become part of a global corporation following its acquisition.

The £9.3m-turnover company - which develops and supplies critical software for the emergency services, public safety and control room markets - has been purchased by Northgate Public Services (NPS). NPS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation an international information and communications technology company. Mike Isherwood, managing director of APD, said: -Joining the NPS team enables us to accelerate our strategic plan and achieve our ambitions. -The synergy between our products and customers is really exciting. Together, we will be stronger and have the resources and capability to provide innovative, market-leading solutions that keep our customers at the forefront of digital public safety delivery. APD provides communications and control solutions used by more than two thirds of UK police forces as well as transportation hubs and airports, including Gatwick and Dubai international airports and the London Underground. The company, which was founded by two academics from the University of Hull, will continue to be based in Hull and operate as a business unit within NPS' Safety Division. Isherwood added: -Becoming part of the NEC family will provide the investment and resources to realise our global expansion plans and enable us to deliver a strengthened proposition of additional products and services. -It is also really exciting for our people, who will benefit from greater career and development opportunities from becoming part of a global technology leader employing 100,000 people across the world. Ian Blackhurst, executive director of safety and health, Northgate Public Services, said: -This acquisition is a great opportunity for us to expand our offer and will bring substantial value to customers of both APD and NPS. -Both companies are very excited about our future together. Our working practices are already very similar so we will be able to start adding value to our solutions straight away. Matt Ainsworth, head of Keebles' corporate and commercial team, said: -APD is a recognised leader in its field and this acquisition will enable the business to further broaden its global reach. We wish Mike and the team continued success. The deal follows on from a year which saw APD secure its largest-ever order book, with new orders worth more than £3m across Europe and the Middle East. Keebles' multi-award winning corporate and commercial department is among the largest in the region.