Company adds 70 direct distribution partnerships with £24 million deal
Distributor Exertis has acquired IT hardware and consumer electronics distributor Computers Unlimited (CU) for an initial £24 million.
The acquisition of the 30-year old company by Exertis’ parent company, DCC, will add approximately £140 million to the distributor’s revenues at their current levels.
CU has a wide product portfolio ranging from third-party accessories for Apple products (smartphone, Watch, Mac), smartphone, tablets, computers, tablets, 3D printers, connected home, and consumer electronics.
Additionally, it has direct distribution agreements with more than 70 tier 1 manufacturers including: Adobe, Epson, Griffin, Incipio (phone cases), LocknCharge (charging solutions), Microsoft, Parrot (consumer electronics), Sonos (audio) and Western Digital (hard drives).
CU’s distribution reach extends into France and Spain, as well as its home UK and Ireland territory.
“The acquisition of Computers Unlimited with its strong track-record of distributing Professional Creative, Apple (iPhone/iPod/iPad/Mac) and Digital Home products is an excellent strategic fit for Exertis and the businesses’ combined strengths will create new growth opportunities,” said Exertis group managing director Niall Ennis.
“We are excited at the prospect of extending the reach of Computers Unlimited to the multiple retail channels that Exertis supports both in the UK and in France. This acquisition also extends the Exertis footprint into the Spanish retail sector, where Computers Unlimited has a growing presence.”
Computers Unlimited chairman and chief executive officer James Sanson, added: “Over the last 30 years we’ve launched and built channels for more than 100 brands. The opportunity to combine Computers Unlimited’s brand and channel building talents with Exertis’ retail, logistics and geographic strengths is very compelling. I’m confident the new combined business can offer a fantastic proposition and strong growth for our current and future brands.”