M247, the UK data centre operator, has announced that it has bought the freehold of its head offices in Trafford Park, Manchester. The purchase from landlords Commercial Development Projects, for a sum in excess of £1 million, was financed by a mortgage arranged by HSBC and the solicitor acting for M247 was Bolton firm, Stephensons.

After relocating from London to Manchester in 2009, M247 opened a 7,000 sq ft data-centre in leasehold premises in Trafford Park. The company later opened data-centres in two adjoining freehold premises purchased outright in 2011.

David Buckle, managing director of M247, said: "We have been developing a long-term business model and it simply makes good sense for us to own our buildings and infrastructure in order to give our customers the peace of mind that they can benefit from a long term relationship. "M247 is a well-funded company that will stand up to any financial scrutiny and we have big plans for the future. We receive a lot of visits from our broad range of customers from all around the world who want to see a commitment to quality and security. We appreciate that they each have special requirements and unless we have complete control of our buildings, it would be difficult to offer them the special facilities that I'm sure make all the difference. Also, the somewhat subdued state of the current property market presented an opportunity to us that was just too good to miss. We felt that the price and the timing was just right for us to close the deal right now."

M247 also have a Kidderminster location where their managed services and data security operations are based.