DATAPLEX Systems has been acquired by businessman Richard Sparrow in a seven figure deal that was structured by Bolton chartered accountants and business advisers Unity.

Eccles-based Dataplex Systems, established in 1996, provides IT support services to organisations in the commercial and government sectors.

As well as providing managed services and support, the company specialises in consultancy, project delivery and solutions across a core area of technology, and has a number of major clients including the Highways Agency.

Richard Sparrow, managing director of Dataplex Systems Ltd, said: "I am delighted that, with the advice and support from Unity, I have been given the opportunity to develop and grow the business into something even better."

Commenting on the deal, Mark Conboy, corporate finance partner at Unity, said: "We advised Richard to raise the finance to acquire Dataplex through a number of sources, combining invoice finance with his own investment, and coordinated it so that all the funding was received together.

"The acquisition of any business can be highly stressful for both the vendor and buyer. We wanted to keep it as hassle free as possible."

Dataplex Systems Ltd currently employs more than 35 staff and is looking to turn over £6 million by the end of the year.