News / Stone Group strengthens portfolio with the acquisition of Rock Computers

19-05-2022

19th May 2008, Staffordshire, UK - Stone Group, an IT provider to the public sector has acquired the trade and assets of Rock Group plc ("Rock") for an undisclosed consideration. The acquisition will enable Stone to offer a larger range of specialist high-end Notebook products to its public sector customers. Stone will fully back the Rock brand going forward enabling the continued development of its market leading gaming technologies as well as securing full ongoing warranty support for existing customers.

Rock, one of the UK·s leading Performance Notebook manufacturers before it went into administration on 8th May 2008, is known for producing some of the fastest Notebooks in the world, made from the latest industry-leading components from companies such as Intel, and has consistently launched resilient, high performance business and gaming notebooks.

Nick Boardman, former Rock Chief Executive, will join the Stone operating board as director of its mobile technology division.

Stone Group, a Staffordshire-based company, which already employs over 200 staff, configures servers, desktop PCs and notebooks to order and provides a high level of value-added services around every sale. The Stone Group sells to a variety of clients within the public sector, with a specific focus on schools, further and higher education, and the emergency services.

Commenting on the acquisition, James Bird, Stone·s Chief Executive, said: "This acquisition is great news for Stone and for our customers, because we can now offer a much wider portfolio of laptops."

"By acquiring Rock Computers, Stone has the opportunity to leverage our existing IT manufacturing skills and support resources to develop more specialist Notebook products to meet the demands of some specific verticals in our public sector customer base."

"This transaction is part of our continued growth strategy, where selective acquisitions complement and enhance our existing business, whilst organic growth is maintained by providing a comprehensive, first class service to our customers".

Nick Boardman commented "I am delighted that Stone·s backing gives us a tremendous opportunity to build on our market leading credentials in the sector from a much stronger financial base. In particular, for me, it is vital that customers’ historic warranties will be supported going forward. Everyone can continue to buy Rock products with confidence."