Hull-based Kingston Communications has forked out £12.5m million to acquire broadband ISP Eclipse Internet.

The deal is part of Kingston's strategy to drive the growth in its broadband business and increases its number of high speed Internet punters to more than 55,000.

No Eclipse jobs will be lost as part of the deal and the ISP will continue to operate under the Eclipse brand.

Eclipse's founder and MD Mark Lang will take on a new position as Head of Broadband and ISP Development and the company's headquarters will remain in Exeter.

Said Mr Lang: "By joining the Kingston Group, Eclipse will significantly strengthen its competitive position and achieve long term performance by continuing to create superior customer value and satisfaction in what is an increasingly aggressive market.

Speculation that the Exeter-based ISP was up for sale surfaced two weeks ago although the company preferred not to comment at the time. ®

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