Ekco boosts UK presence with Solsoft acquisition for SME growth
Ekco has acquired Bristol-based managed service provider Solsoft, expanding its presence in the UK and growing its offering for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The acquisition sees Solsoft's 16 employees joining Ekco's workforce, which now numbers over 1,000 people globally. Ekco, headquartered in Dublin, continues its acquisition strategy, with Solsoft marking the third completed deal in 2025 and the seventh in the past two years.
Solsoft brings over 26 years of experience in providing proactive IT services to SMEs and not-for-profit organisations across the South and Southwest of the UK. Its client base covers sectors including legal services, construction, engineering, energy, health and social care. All members of Solsoft's team will stay on and become part of the Ekco MSP Division.
Solsoft's services are centred around its proactive support approach for small businesses, with an emphasis on stability and efficiency. The company has been led by Managing Director Neil Farnworth and Operations Director Ilona Clark, who together have more than four decades of combined industry experience.
Ekco's expansion into the UK through this acquisition is a continuation of its wider growth strategy that aims to build a unified MSP platform across the UK and Europe. This deal follows the company's earlier purchases of MSPs Radius and Adapt IT, as Ekco seeks to bolster its security-first managed services and operational capacity in key target markets.
Paul Nannetti, Chair of Ekco, commented on the acquisition by stating,
Solsoft is a fantastic addition to the Ekco MSP Division as we accelerate our expansion strategy and continue to grow our footprint and capabilities in key markets. Their long-standing commitment to proactive service and their alignment with industry best practices give us real confidence in a fast, effective integration and a stronger UK presence-delivered with the discipline and consistency our customers expect.
Solsoft will form an integral part of the Ekco MSP Division, with Cian Prendergast, CEO of Ekco MSP Division, overseeing its incorporation into the group's operations. Under his leadership, Ekco plans to leverage Solsoft's experience in key sectors while delivering expanded solutions to UK-based clients.
Cian Prendergast remarked,
Having known Solsoft very well for many years, we have always admired their rock solid, client focused, proactive service in the UK. With Ekco's world class expertise in security-first managed services and cutting-edge technology, this partnership is a perfect match - and we are looking forward to growing and learning together.
According to Neil Farnworth, Managing Director of Solsoft, the partnership will enhance the company's service offerings and support clients as both businesses share a strong alignment in operations and customer service delivery. Farnworth said,
Joining Ekco lets us bring more capability and resilience to our customers, backed by Ekco's scale-while maintaining the responsiveness they value. Our aligned ways of working and approaches to service delivery means we can really hit the ground running.
Solsoft's integration follows Ekco's strategy of adding established MSPs to its portfolio, enhancing resources for customers in sectors with significant digital infrastructure needs and security requirements. Ekco's global reach now includes offices and teams in Ireland, the UK, Netherlands, Malaysia and South Africa.
With SMEs increasingly reliant on digital and cloud-based solutions, providers such as Ekco are focusing on scaling managed services, cyber security, and compliance offerings that can serve clients with diverse needs. The UK's dynamic market has been a target for such expansion, aligning with broader European growth ambitions.
Solsoft's expertise and local market knowledge are viewed as valuable assets for Ekco in its bid to cement itself further within the UK. Both companies cited aligned values and complementary approaches to service as factors behind the acquisition.
