Pan-European power

SDG, Exclusive Networks and Altimate are fighting Euro distributors' corner, writes CRN news editor Doug Woodburn

While the ‘big four' global distributors continue to expand frenetically, they face stiff competition from an emerging pack of pan-European outfits.

Computerlinks is an obvious example but to this list we can add Exclusive Networks, DCC Group and SDG, the newly christened distribution business of SCH.

SCH's decision to create a pan-European brand for its distribution business is designed to give it added clout with vendors and remind the market that it is a $2.34bn (£1.47bn) outfit.

France-based Exclusive Networks is also beginning to emerge as a contender after breaking the symbolic €100m revenue barrier last year. Now operating in ten European countries, it last year snapped up UK outfit Arc and is not ruling out further acquisitions.

Then there is Irish-owned DCC Group, the owner of Micro-P and Gem whose Altimate brand is expanding rapidly through acquisition.

All three are in expansion mode and all three would dismiss the suggestion that distribution is becoming a US dominated game.