ADASTRA, the Ashford-based IT company, has announced its merger with rival Owl Software. The move will unify the IT support for GP evening and weekend services throughout the UK.

Between them, the two companies manage 80% of the out-of-hours calls made to GPs across the country. The merged company will have its headquarters at the Adastra Ashford offices at Eurogate Business Park and the Norwich-based Owl offices will be kept open for a transitional period.

Adastra managing director, Lynn Woods, said: "By working collectively, GPs and other primary care disciplines can function to better effect". Owl Software principal, Jon Reed, said: "It makes sense to have one core IT provider which can optimise development and support standards."

The merged company will maintain Adastra's 80 strong workforce, which will work alongside Owl developers and support staff.