UK-based backup solutions services provider Redstor has confirmed its acquisition of South African headquartered Attix5, a global developer and provider of data protection software and cloud solutions.

The companies came close to an acquisition in 2007, but did not go through with the deal because of issues related to Attix5 shareholding at the time. Eight years later, the companies have now committed to the acquisition, effective from 14 September 2015.

Redstor has been an integral partner of Attix5 since 2005, utilising its underlying technology for its portfolio of backup services for various organisations in the United Kingdom.

Attix5 supplies backup and recovery technology and managed services to service providers who use this technology to deliver value-added services to end users globally.

With a development office in Stellenbosch, South Africa and sales and support offices in Johannesburg and Reading UK, Attix5 have continually developed their IP based on the input of cloud backup providers such as Redstor.

Commenting on the acquisition, Danie Marais, original founder at Attix5 stated, "We are very excited about the acquisition as this opens up great opportunities for both Attix5 and Redstor. Over the ten year partnership, both parties have come to understand each other's business and have developed strong relationships. The owners at Redstor also appreciate Attix5's African roots and want to incorporate this as part of their message and vision going forward. I believe Attix5's software development expertise and Redstor's data management experience and strong partner and customer relationships is the perfect fit and I expect great things for these organisations going forward."

Paul Evans, CEO of Redstor stated, "The opportunity to evolve through gaining our own IP and expand our geographical footprint was a natural step that will allow us to have greater control over our future development."

Evans went on to say, "Redstor today has a customer base in excess of 10,000 organisations via our partner network. We receive ongoing feedback from our partners and end user customers which we will use to directly influence the direction our software development takes."

At a media briefing in Johannesburg, the companies confirmed the strategy to cement product and platforms to engage Africa, look out for partnership opportunities and leverage existing clients in regions including Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia and Nigeria.

Going forward, the partners will focus on product and, according to Redstor, "on making it easier for customers to engage the business."

Looking ahead the belief is that the backup and disaster recovery markets will merge as more companies focus on cost reduction through strategic use of resources and the seamless availability of data.