Irish Business Systems has been a major player in Ireland’s business printing and document management sector for over five decades. This company, founded in 1972, grew from a small operation into the largest independent supplier of digital imaging and printing solutions across the island of Ireland before its acquisition by Xerox in 2010.
Understanding the story of Irish Business Systems helps businesses learn about professional print solutions, managed services, and how technology companies evolve in competitive markets.
What is Irish Business Systems?
Irish Business Systems (IBS) was a managed print services provider based in Cork, Ireland. The company specialized in office automation, digital imaging, and document management solutions for businesses of all sizes. From small startups to large corporations, Irish Business Systems served over 11,000 customers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The company operated eight offices in key locations including Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Portlaoise, and Derry. This widespread presence allowed them to provide fast, reliable service to clients throughout Ireland.
Jerry Carey founded Irish Business Systems in 1972 with a simple mission: help Irish businesses handle their printing and document needs efficiently. What started as a basic office printing service evolved into a comprehensive provider of advanced digital solutions.
The History and Growth of Irish Business Systems
The journey of Irish Business Systems reflects the broader changes in Ireland’s business technology landscape. When the company launched in 1972, most businesses relied on basic photocopiers and manual document handling. Irish Business Systems recognized early that technology would transform how companies managed their information.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company expanded its services beyond simple printing. They introduced digital imaging equipment, advanced copiers, and early document management systems. This forward-thinking approach helped them build strong relationships with clients who trusted them to stay ahead of technology trends.
By the 2000s, Irish Business Systems had become known for managed print services. Instead of just selling equipment, they offered complete solutions that included maintenance, supplies management, and optimization of printing workflows. This service model proved popular with businesses looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The company’s growth was steady and strategic. They opened new offices to serve different regions, hired skilled technicians, and built partnerships with leading technology manufacturers. By 2010, Irish Business Systems employed over 200 people and served clients in every major Irish city.
Services Offered by Irish Business Systems
Irish Business Systems provided a comprehensive range of business solutions that went far beyond basic printing. Their service portfolio included:
Managed Print Services: This was the core offering. The company would assess a business’s printing needs, install appropriate equipment, manage supplies, handle maintenance, and optimize printing costs. Many companies reduced their printing expenses by 20-30% through these managed services.
Digital Imaging Solutions: Irish Business Systems supplied and maintained high-quality digital printers, copiers, and multifunction devices. These machines could print, copy, scan, and fax, giving businesses versatile tools for document handling.
Document Management Systems: For organizations dealing with large volumes of paperwork, Irish Business Systems offered systems to digitize, store, organize, and retrieve documents efficiently. This helped companies move toward paperless operations and improve information security.
Office Equipment Leasing: Not every business could afford to purchase expensive printing equipment outright. Irish Business Systems offered flexible leasing options that spread costs over time and included maintenance and support.
Technical Support and Training: The company maintained a team of technicians across Ireland who could respond quickly to equipment problems. They also trained clients’ staff on how to use equipment effectively and troubleshoot common issues.
The Xerox Acquisition: A Major Milestone
On January 20, 2010, Xerox Corporation announced it would acquire Irish Business Systems for approximately €21 million ($31 million). This acquisition marked a significant moment in Irish business technology history.
Xerox wanted to expand its presence in Ireland’s small and medium business market. Irish Business Systems brought exactly what Xerox needed: established customer relationships, trained staff, and offices throughout Ireland. The acquisition gave Xerox immediate access to more than 11,000 customers and strengthened its position across the entire island.
For Irish Business Systems, the Xerox acquisition meant access to world-class products and global resources. Jerry Carey, who had led the company since its founding, stayed on as Group Managing Director to ensure continuity for customers and employees.
Xerox kept the Irish Business Systems name initially and maintained all eight offices. Employees continued their roles, which helped preserve the personal service relationships that clients valued. Over time, the businesses integrated more fully, with Irish Business Systems eventually operating as “IBS, a Xerox Company.”
The acquisition benefited customers in several ways. They gained access to Xerox’s full product line, including advanced Phaser, WorkCentre, and ColorQube printers. They also benefited from Xerox’s research and development capabilities, enterprise-level solutions, and international support network.
How Irish Business Systems Served Different Industries
One strength of Irish Business Systems was understanding that different industries have unique printing and document needs. The company tailored its solutions accordingly:
Government and Public Sector: Government departments and agencies require secure document handling, high-volume printing, and strict compliance with regulations. Irish Business Systems provided specialized systems for these requirements, including secure printing features and document tracking.
Education: Universities, colleges, and schools needed cost-effective solutions that could handle high volumes during certain periods. Irish Business Systems offered flexible contracts and equipment that students and staff could access easily across campuses.
Healthcare: Medical facilities deal with sensitive patient information and regulatory requirements. Irish Business Systems provided secure document management systems that maintained confidentiality while allowing authorized staff quick access to records.
Legal Firms: Law offices generate enormous amounts of documents that must be organized, searchable, and securely stored. The company’s document management solutions helped legal professionals work more efficiently and meet compliance obligations.
Retail and Manufacturing: These sectors needed reliable, fast printing for invoices, shipping labels, and internal documentation. Irish Business Systems provided durable equipment and rapid response service to minimize downtime.
Corporate Services: Professional services firms like accounting and consulting companies needed high-quality output for client presentations and reports. Irish Business Systems offered advanced color printing and finishing options.
What Made Irish Business Systems Successful?
Several factors contributed to the company’s success over nearly four decades:
Local Presence: Having offices throughout Ireland meant technicians could reach most customers within hours, not days. This local availability built trust and loyalty.
Customer Service Focus: Irish Business Systems prioritized long-term relationships over quick sales. They took time to understand each client’s needs and provided solutions that actually worked for those specific situations.
Flexibility: The company worked with businesses of all sizes, from one-person offices to large corporations. They offered customized contracts, leasing options, and service packages that fit different budgets and requirements.
Technology Expertise: Irish Business Systems invested in training their staff on the latest equipment and software. Customers could rely on their technicians to solve problems and recommend appropriate upgrades.
Comprehensive Solutions: Rather than just selling printers, the company offered complete managed services. This approach saved clients time and money by handling everything from installation to ongoing maintenance.
The Impact on Ireland’s Business Technology Sector
Irish Business Systems played an important role in modernizing how Irish businesses handled documents and information. Before companies like IBS, most organizations dealt with printing as an afterthought, buying equipment as needed without much planning or optimization.
Irish Business Systems helped change this mindset. They introduced the concept of managed print services to many Irish businesses, showing how professional management of printing could reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support environmental goals through reduced paper waste.
The company also served as a training ground for many Irish technology professionals. Hundreds of people learned valuable skills in sales, technical support, and business solutions through working at Irish Business Systems. Many went on to leadership roles in other technology companies.
When Xerox acquired Irish Business Systems, it validated the quality and professionalism of Irish technology service providers. It showed that Irish companies could compete at international standards and attract major global corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Business Systems
When was Irish Business Systems founded? Irish Business Systems was founded in 1972 by Jerry Carey in Cork, Ireland. The company operated independently for 38 years before being acquired by Xerox in 2010.
Where were Irish Business Systems offices located? The company had eight offices across Ireland in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Portlaoise, and Derry, providing coverage throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
What services did Irish Business Systems provide? Irish Business Systems offered managed print services, digital imaging solutions, document management systems, office equipment leasing, and technical support for businesses of all sizes.
Why did Xerox acquire Irish Business Systems? Xerox acquired Irish Business Systems to expand its presence in Ireland’s small and medium business market and gain immediate access to over 11,000 established customers across the island.
How much did Xerox pay for Irish Business Systems? Xerox paid approximately €21 million (about $31 million) for Irish Business Systems in January 2010.
What happened to Irish Business Systems after the Xerox acquisition? After the acquisition, Irish Business Systems continued operating with its existing offices and staff. It eventually became “IBS, a Xerox Company” and began offering the full range of Xerox products and services to its customers.
Who founded Irish Business Systems? Jerry Carey founded Irish Business Systems in 1972 and remained with the company as Group Managing Director even after the Xerox acquisition.
How many employees did Irish Business Systems have? At the time of the Xerox acquisition in 2010, Irish Business Systems had over 200 employees working across its eight offices in Ireland.
The Legacy of Irish Business Systems
While Irish Business Systems no longer operates as an independent company, its legacy continues. The business model it pioneered—local presence combined with comprehensive managed services—remains relevant for businesses throughout Ireland.
The company demonstrated that Irish businesses could build successful technology service companies that compete internationally. It showed the value of understanding local market needs while staying current with global technology trends.
For businesses looking for print and document management solutions, the Irish Business Systems story offers important lessons. Success comes from understanding customer needs, providing reliable service, investing in employee training, and adapting to changing technology.
The thousands of Irish businesses that worked with Irish Business Systems benefited from more efficient operations, reduced costs, and access to professional expertise. Many of these relationships continue through the Xerox operations that absorbed Irish Business Systems.
Lessons for Modern Businesses
The Irish Business Systems story provides valuable insights for companies operating in competitive markets:
Relationships Matter: Irish Business Systems built its success on long-term customer relationships rather than transactional sales. This approach created loyalty that sustained the business through economic cycles.
Local Service Wins: Despite technology making remote support easier, businesses still value local presence. Having technicians nearby who understand local business culture made a difference.
Evolve or Fall Behind: Irish Business Systems continuously adapted its offerings as technology changed. Companies that fail to evolve risk becoming irrelevant.
Comprehensive Solutions Beat Single Products: Customers preferred working with one reliable partner for all their printing and document needs rather than managing multiple vendors.
Value Creation Attracts Investment: By building a successful, well-managed business with strong customer relationships, Irish Business Systems became an attractive acquisition target for a major corporation.
Conclusion
Irish Business Systems represents an important chapter in Ireland’s business technology history. From its founding in 1972 to its acquisition by Xerox in 2010, the company helped thousands of Irish businesses improve their document management and printing operations.
The success of Irish Business Systems came from understanding customer needs, providing excellent local service, and continuously adapting to new technologies. These principles remain relevant for any business looking to succeed in competitive markets.
Whether you’re researching business history, looking for print solutions, or studying successful Irish companies, the Irish Business Systems story offers valuable lessons about building sustainable, customer-focused businesses that create real value.
The company may no longer operate independently, but its impact on Irish business practices and its contribution to Ireland’s technology sector continues to be felt. Irish Business Systems showed that with the right approach, Irish companies can build businesses that earn the attention and investment of global corporations.
