Independent telecoms company AdEPT has bought a technology and communications business in a deal worth up to £12.5 million.

The stock-market listed firm in Tunbridge Wells has acquired Hampshire-based Centrix, which will add 30% to its turnover thanks to its “high level of recurring revenue”.

AdEPT will pay an initial sum of £7 million in the deal, with the rest paid on completion.

Another £3.5 million may be payable in cash depending on Centrix’s trading performance.

“We are delighted to have acquired such a high-quality, well-run and profitable business with a strong management team,” said AdEPT chief executive Ian Fishwick.

“Centrix is an excellent fit because, like AdEPT, it is asset-light, complements and builds upon AdEPT’s existing expertise and skills, and further extends its offering in the unified communications space.

“Centrix has a high level of recurring revenue and offers a well-developed customer base with long-term relationships across a range of medium and large enterprises, including the related vertical markets of public sector and healthcare.

“The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing from completion.”

Centrix reported turnover of £8.75m last year, an operating profit of £2.26m and pre-tax profits of £2.26m in its last audited accounts.

AdEPT reported a growth in revenue of 11.3% to £11.3 million in the six months to the end of September last year. Pre-tax profits increased by 13.9% to £2.2 million.

Tunbridge Wells law firm Cripps advised on the deal and helped AdEPT agree a new £15 million five-year debt facility with Barclays Bank last month.

Mr Fishwick said: “This is the fourth deal that Cripps has advised us on in the past three years and their input has been invaluable.”

Nigel Stanford, who led the Cripps team of solicitors, added: “We were delighted to be working alongside AdEPT again as it further cemented its role as a leading telecoms provider.”