Bell Micro is exiting the Italian distribution market after placing its Milan-based subsidiary into voluntary liquidation.

Speaking exclusively to CRN, Graeme Watt, president of worldwide distribution at Bell Micro, said: “Quite simply it is an organisation we have been making losses in for a number of years and while we have reduced the size of those losses, we are not comfortable with the business anymore.

“The Italian market is quite fragmented and is one of the weakest economies in Europe. Also the flexibility around what we can and cannot do with staff is very poor in terms of costs. Most of our competition would agree with us about the market.”

Watt said the Italian business accounts for around €25-30m a year and employs 12 people, all of whom will lose their jobs. He said Bell would continue to export to Italy through its German business.

He added the move will have no impact on Bell’s vendor or creditor relationships.

See Monday's CRN for full story.