Two of Cheltenham's leading IT companies have joined forces with TechOP Solutions becoming part of the Bamboo Group.

Bamboo Technology Group are a leading provider of managed ICT services and have acquired Charlton Kings-based TechOP as part of a 'buy and build' strategy aimed to achieve significant growth targets.

TechOP were established in 1983 and provide managed services to SMEs across the south west, where they have also earned a strong reputation as a cyber security specialist.

Tech Op is also renowned for developing web and mobile logistics applications to support their customers in delivering outsourced Government contracts (both in the UK and Australia).

They also have a strong record in the development and delivery of software solutions into the niche Justice sector, around prisoner escorting and offender tagging services.

Lorrin White, MD of Bamboo Technology said: "Together with the rest of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tech OP into the Bamboo group.

"We have been partnering with Tech OP for a number of years now, working together in providing their customers with connectivity, whilst they have supported ours with managed IT services and cyber security consultancy.

"As a business, we have some really exciting and ambitious plans for the next few years.

"The past two years have seen us focus on and invest in our internal processes, quality standards, the attraction of new talent and further digital transformation and automation to enhance our service provision.

"With these elements complete and key new members of the team in place, we are now moving on to the next stage of our growth strategy and ramping up activity with an aggressive acquisition trail.

"The team at Tech OP bring proven solutions and considerable technical skills and expertise with them, which perfectly complement our own proposition - and will ultimately benefit all our customers, helping them to connect and grow."

Sam Wilson, MD of Tech OP added: "Tech OP has established a close partnership and enjoyed a collaborative relationship with Bamboo for several years.

"I have been impressed by both the friendly, positive attitude of their sales and support teams and the ambitious plans of the Senior Management Team.

"Joining the Bamboo group provides an excellent opportunity for Tech OP and allows us a real strength and depth in supporting our customers who aim to exploit cloud and mobile technologies.

"There are clear synergies between the businesses and the whole team here are looking forward to the opportunity of working with new and existing customers, helping them to manage their data and connectivity.

"We are also excited at the prospect of working with Bamboo and their own customers, helping to create new digital services and new, more efficient ways of working."

In the short term, Tech OP will continue operating under their current arrangements before becoming fully integrated into the Bamboo group over the coming months.