Pan-European distributor Actebis has finally appointed a new chief executive, after leaving the position vacant for more than a year. Dirk Hauke last week took the reins of the subsidiary of Germany-based Otto Group.
Actebis last hit the news in 2003, when it faced an uncertain future after a proposed acquisition by rival distributor Westcoast fell through.
Hauke admitted the firm went through a difficult time in 2003 but claimed all issues "were completely overcome in 2004" and that it has "a strong management team in place in each country".
When asked whether the firm is still up for sale, Hauke said he is "comfortable with developing Actebis's own strategy" and is poised for organic growth. He added that he would not rule out making "viable" acquisitions "if they arise".
Hauke said: "I'm very pleased with the development that we have achieved over the past couple of years. Margins across Europe were under pressure. Now it is up to us to develop new markets, such as consumer electronics, and work closely with existing vendors."
Graeme Watt, president Europe and Middle East operations at distributor Bell Microproducts, who at one stage was lined up to take the helm at Actebis himself, welcomed Hauke's appointment.
"Bell has a presence in many European countries, and our heartland is the UK. This is different to Actebis, where the UK business, compared with the rest, is quite small.
"By its own admission Actebis is pleased with its progress. It was here a year ago and it is here today, and there is very much a place for it in the market," he said.
Joe Hemani, chairman of Westcoast, said: "Actebis has a strong management team and has managed to recover the confidence of its customers and suppliers. It is very stable and doing well."
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