HAMPSHIRE computer firm Adris has been on the expansion trail with the acquisition of another local company.

Totton-based Adris has bought the name and business of Andover firm A-Zero and the move brings together two firms working in the field of specialist software, hard-ware and support of the CAD -market.

Adris managing director Rob Goddard said the combined strength of these companies now makes the Totton company the largest CAD provider in the South of England.

To ensure a smooth transition of business A-Zero managing director Colin Graham will remain with the newly-enlarged company and will work closely with Mr Goddard on all aspects of the takevoer.

"To grow in today's market place acquisitions are bound to result in economies of scale and enable a better service to be provided to all clients,'' said Mr Goddard.

The A-Zero offices in Andover have closed and Mr Goddard said that 37 people were now working for Adris at Totton.

"The acquisition is good news for us on a number of counts,'' said Mr Goddard.

"In particular it has helped us boost market share which has been difficult in a mature market such as CAD. The move also gives us access to a wider range of customers and also eliminates a company which was a competitior.''

New services incorporated in the move for Adris have meant the integration of on-line sales via a website and the addition of network cabling business - both new for Adris but integral parts of the business for A-Zero.

Mr Goddard said that further expansion for Adris was still on the cards and the company was looking for future acquisitions.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.