What is the real M&A appetite in the channel?

The industry is going through an unprecedented period of growth as digital transformation continues to drive change.

Tech merger and acquisition activity is at an all-time high at reseller, vendor and distributor levels, as consolidation picks up pace and firms look to plug skills and technology gaps, and also gain entry into new markets both in the UK and overseas.

According to figures from market watcher Baker & McKenzie, global M&A values have risen to $468bn this year, compared to $296bn in 2017 - a whopping 65 per cent increase. And M&A shows no sign of slowing down, with IBM acquiring Red Hat for $34bn this week. 

Customers are more demanding than before, and expect even more from their technology suppliers, which means competition is tighter than ever.

This in turn means, many suppliers are having to grow and develop their services and offerings at a dramatic pace to keep up, with acquisition a popular option. 

But what exactly is the appetite for M&A in the channel? How many firms are managing to keep abreast of the situation through organic growth? And how many have resorted to acquisition to stay ahead of the game?

What are those firms that are experiencing unparalleled growth and success actually doing right? where are all the opportunities? 

At a special CRN On event, sponsored by Agilitas, at One Moorgate Place, central London on 6 November, entitled The Global Channel in 2020: A Blueprint for growth in a fast-changing world; hear the results of some exclusive research CRN has conducted with over 150 MSPs, VARs and resellers on this very subject, and hear what some of your peers are doing first-hand to ensure they continue to remain competitive.  

To register and find out more, please visit the dedicated site here.