IBM, the world’s largest information technology company, has taken over a customer services software business in Kent for an undisclosed sum.

Optevia, based in West Peckham, near West Malling, has been snapped up by the global business services arm of the international giant.

The firm, which has doubled in size over the last two years, provides systems for public sector organisations to aid their customer relationship management (CRM), a sector industry experts estimate to be worth $23 billion globally.

IBM said it bought Optevia, which specialises in Microsoft Dynamics software, to establish itself as the market leader and is keen to learn from its approach to different clients in the emergency services, local and central government, health authorities, housing and social enterprises.

Customers have included Kent County Council, the Welsh Assembly, HS2, Manchester City Council, Kent Fire and Rescue, Ofsted and the Inland Revenue.

IBM public sector leader for Europe, Joanna Davinson, said: “By acquiring Optevia, IBM will be able to provide public sector clients and prospects with a range of unique, industry-focused CRM-based solutions.

“This strategic acquisition will help strengthen IBM as a ‘software as a service’ provider and global software integrator.”

Founded in 2001, Optevia will now see its solutions used with clients worldwide, where its software, assets and highly-skilled workforce will “significantly increase IBM’s current capabilities”.

In 2004, Optevia was one of only four organisations to help Microsoft chairman Bill Gates launch Microsoft Dynamics CRM to the UK market.