The takeover of one of the biggest IT suppliers to local government has been approved by the Office of Fair Trading. Northgate Information Solutions was given clearance for the acquisition of Anite Public Sector Holdings Limited. The decision confirms Northgate's position as the UK's leading player in the local government, social housing and criminal justice public services markets. David Meaden, chief executive of Northgate's public services, said: ‘This deal expands our business and extends our commitment to support excellence in the public sector at a time of economic challenge.'