VMA Systems, the North East-based technology company, has acquired ICT North, which provides IT support services for the education sector.

Formed in 2011, VMA Systems provides industry leading solutions for gaming and amusement machine operators, suppliers and controllers, including advanced management software, mobile apps and remote monitoring systems.

Following a partnership with PlaySafe Systems in 2022, which allowed VMA to introduce its Click arcade management system to operators of FEC and AGC venues in the UK  the business officially entered the North American market in 2024, to bring the same professional management systems to operators in the United States & Canada.

ICT North, run by Simon Bough, provides high quality and cost effective IT solutions to schools and education establishments, including the provision of a subscription-based support service called SmartSupport.

VMA Systems was advised on the acquisition by West Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Now, Managing Director, David Middleton, believes that following the expansion into North America, the time is right for the business to diversify into other sectors and areas of expertise. 

He said: “Although, on the face of it, ICT North is operating in a different niche IT sector to VMA, there are in fact many synergies between the two businesses and customers of both will benefit from us being part of the same group/company. Geographically they are close to us in the North East, and we are excited to see where the collaboration takes us.

“As a business we are interested in diversifying in order to support further growth and to offer our customers a broader spectrum of services and benefits.”

The transaction was supported by a multidisciplinary team at Schofield Sweeney, including specialists from both the Corporate and Commercial teams.

Commenting on the deal, Ben Stephens, Solicitor in Schofield Sweeney’s Corporate team, said: “VMA Systems is an exciting company that is very much looking to expand into new markets so it was great to be involved in this deal and to support David in acquisition.  We wish them every success and look forward to working with them in the future.”