Actebis has been bought by private equity firm Droege Capital as it looks to drive growth in the market.

The IT and telecoms distributor pulled out of the UK market in 2007 and sold its Spanish and Italian units, and in the same year divested its French, Austrian and Netherlands divisions, and Actebis Peacock in Germany to Arques Industries.

It is Arques Industries that has made the sale, which includes Actebis’ subsidiaries in Austria, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.

Klaue Hellmich, chairman of the Actebis Group’s executive board, said he was happy with the development.

"The Actebis management team is fully behind this change. Droege has an excellent reputation in the SMB sector, is equity financed and sets great store by the long-term growth of its holdings.

"In addition, Droege is familiar with the wholesale business and our business model," he said.

Frank Tanski, managing director of Droege Capital, said: "Actebis is the cost leader and is well placed thanks to a market-oriented range of products, an attractive portfolio of services and a forward-looking strategy that promises continued success in the future."