BT Northern Ireland is buying B.I.C Systems Group, a local computer dealership, for £17m. BT says the acquisition catapults it to the head of the IT services sector in Northern Ireleand two years ahead of schedule.

Bill Murphy, chief executive of BT Northern Ireland, described the deal as "one of the most exciting developments in the IT space in years.

"This is a unique and exciting development for both companies. I believe the acquisition will create a company of incomparable experience at a time when Northern Ireland’s IT future looks bright and when IT skills have never been more essential."

Ed Vernon, chief executive of B.I.C Systems, said: "The idea of bringing the best run, best managed, most successful IT organisation in Ireland together with the only telecoms organisation that can actually make the convergence agenda really happen, is incredibly exciting and presents great opportunity for us all, customers and employees alike."

Both brands will continue to trade unchanged "but will be enhanced by association with each other".

B.I.C was set up in 1984 and now employs 200 people in offices in Belfast and Dublin. More at B.I.C.'s website. ®

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