London, United Kingdom – 3 November 2025. Trustmarque Group, a leading technology services partner and Ultima Business Solutions, a premier managed services provider today announce the formal completion of their merger, creating a new technology powerhouse in the UK IT services market.
With the transaction now complete, the merged entity will begin integrating, guided by a unified leadership team that reflects strong representation from both organisations, led by Simon Williams as the group’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jamie Beaumont as Chief Financial Officer (previously of Ultima). Together, the group will deliver on its shared vision to deliver smarter, more integrated IT services to customers across the public and private sectors.
“This completion marks the beginning of a new chapter – from today we are stronger together, built on innovation, scale, and expertise,” said Simon Williams, CEO of the new group. “By combining Ultima’s automation and managed services strength with Trustmarque’s deep technical heritage and professional services expertise, we are uniquely positioned to help our customers cut through that complexity to unlock tangible value today and in the future. IT leaders are telling us their estates have become more complex, and that creates real barriers to maximising innovation and growth. Responding to this demand requires partners remain attuned to these shifts and adapt with the right expertise.”
The combined business now comprises over 1,000 employees, serves more than 3,000 customers, and is targeting Gross Invoiced Income (GII) growth to exceed £1 billion, reinforcing its position as one of the largest IT channel players in the UK. Both businesses also bring nearly four decades of UK and global IT channel experience, supporting organisations from FTSE 100 companies to some of the most secure areas of the UK Government.
“We’re already seeing new joint opportunities emerge from enabling multi-cloud optimisation to delivering next-gen AI-powered operations for clients across sectors,” added Jamie Beaumont, CFO. “Our integration teams have laid the groundwork for a seamless transition, and we are excited to move forward as one team with one mission: to help our clients thrive in a fast-changing digital world.”
The merger comes at a critical time for the IT Channel, as customers face growing complexity in their IT estates. This is slowing adoption of innovations like AI, cloud automation, and digital services. IT leaders are calling on providers to simplify and modernise infrastructure, with AI and automation seen as top priorities. The merged entity will deliver integrated services to help address these challenges and support customers through ongoing transformation.
The group also benefits from robust relationships with strategic vendors including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, HPE, Hitachi Vantara, Palo Alto, Citrix and others, with enhanced buying power and alignment resulting from the combined customer base and service portfolio.
Nick Hedderman, Microsoft’s EMEA Channel Lead, said: “Microsoft is really excited about the merger between Ultima and Trustmarque. Both organisations span from large enterprise down to some of the most strategic SMB organisations in the UK market and together will become an incredible powerhouse, helping our shared customers to be successful in the era of AI.”
Stephens served as exclusive financial adviser to both One Equity Partners and Apse Capital on the transaction, with PwC also acting as an adviser in the process. Baker McKenzie acted as legal counsel to One Equity Partners and Burges & Salmon LLP acted as legal counsel to Apse Capital. Priestley Soundy LLP represented the leadership team.
Trustmarque and Ultima will continue operating under their existing brands initially, with a new corporate brand and identity set to launch later next year.
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Notes to editor:
Key information about Trustmarque Group and Ultima Business Solutions
• Trustmarque Group: Founded in 1987 with 550+ employees, headquartered in York
• Ultima Business Solutions: Founded in 1990 with 450+ employees, headquartered in Reading
• Customers: 3,000+
• UK and global locations: 7
• Key vendor partners: Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, HPE, Hitachi Vantara, Palo Alto, Citrix
About the Trustmarque Group
Trustmarque delivers integrated services that support UK organisations through every step of the IT investment process, from solution development through technology provision to deployment and on-going support. The business operates across many core sectors – healthcare, central and local government, and corporates – and has been helping customers transform, integrate and simplify their technology and IT services in a compliant way for more than 35 years. In 2022, Trustmarque was acquired by US-based private equity firm, One Equity Partners. Following this, Trustmarque acquired Gartner Magic Quadrant certified Livingstone in 2023.
About Ultima Business Solutions
Ultima works with organisations across private and public sectors to deliver resilience, revenue growth and reputational health. Their 30-year technology experience, multi skilled teams of experts, AI powered solutions and 24/7 managed services provide customers with the confidence and security. Ultima has an in-house software automation unit, Ultima Labs, helping businesses adopt AI-enabled smart software for IT operations optimisation. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Reading, Berkshire, the company has continued to innovate since inception, staying at the forefront of technology. In 2019, Apse Capital acquired a majority stake in Ultima. In April 2021 Ultima completed its first acquisition, Just After Midnight (“JAM”), a UK-based cloud services provider to digital businesses.
Further information: Private Equity Investment
About Apse Capital
Apse Capital(www.apsecapital.com) is a London-based independent European private equity firm established in 2019. The company focuses on buyout and growth capital investments, partnering with high-caliber management teams to accelerate the expansion of tech-enabled B2B enterprises. Apse Capital completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Ultima Business Solutions in 2019.
About One Equity Partners
One Equity Partners (“OEP”) is a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm seeks to build market-leading companies by identifying and executing transformative business combinations. OEP is a trusted partner with a differentiated investment process, a broad and senior team, and an established track record generating long-term value for its partners. Since 2001, the firm has completed more than 500 transactions worldwide. OEP, founded in 2001, spun out of JP Morgan in 2015. The firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com.
Media Contact:
Resonance for Trustmarque and Ultima
Trustmarque.Ultima@resonancecrowd.com