Backed by Merseyside Special Investment Fund Jade offers specialist wi-fi and digital technology to high street names such as Clarks Shoes, Marks and Spencer and McDonalds. Tony McDonough reports

A Merseyside firm that offers products and services in mobile technology and wi-fi has been acquired by a leading European IT group.

Econocom has bought Newton-le-Willows-based Jade Solutions for a undisclosed some. Jade has been backed by Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

The company has particular expertise in rugged mobile technology such as handheld and vehicle-mounted computers, and also designs and installs wireless networks and guest wi-fi systems. 

It’s Crowd technology allows retailers to enhance their customers’ shopping experience by offering free wi-fi with tailored messaging.

Jade’s customers include well-known high street names such as Clarks Shoes, which has recently implemented Crowd across the UK, Marks and Spencer and McDonalds.

MSIF first invested in the business in 2005 to support a management buyout and has provided further funding on two subsequent occasions to support the further growth of the company. 

Jade has annual sales of approximately £13m and employs 45 people.

Econocom is a European company specialising in the digital transformation of organisations and is quoted on the Brussels stock exchange with annual revenues of more than £2bn. 

Mark Brackley, managing director of Jade Solutions, said: “The opportunities now open to us as part of such a large international group are extremely exciting.

“The support and advice we have received from MSIF over the past 12 years have been key in helping us to reach this point.”

Jade’s shareholders were advised by Craig Scott of local Liverpool law firm, Hill Dickinson.