Morse taps out expansion schedule

Hardware Next stop Paris, then New York: reseller widens horizons in shift toward systems integrator role.

Hewlett Packard reseller Morse Group has begun its quest forizons in shift toward systems integrator role. expansion and repositioning into mainland Europe and the US with the opening of its German office in Frankfurt.

As well as the parent company, Morse Data, the group's HP corporate reseller operation, has set up in Germany and plans are under way for both to move into Paris and New York, to spearhead an attack on the financial sector.

James Waller, director of the division, is in charge of the expansion effort and the company claims to have the backing of suppliers HP and Sun Microsystems.

Bernhard Faber, former district sales manager, service and support at HP Germany, is now managing director of Morse Data in Germany.

Speaking to PC Dealer, Mark McCarthy, Morse Data sales manager, revealed that the group was repositioning itself towards a systems integrator role, against the likes of EDS and Cap Gemini and expansion was intrinsic to the plan.

However, he said Morse anticipated a relatively slow entry into the French market, 'because the labour laws are complex'.

The expansion plans are also reasons to consider floating the group, he added, referring to its impending listing on the Stock Exchange when Morse is set to be capitalised at some #600 million (PC Dealer, 18 June).

'Flotation is an option we are seriously considering,' McCarthy said.

'If taken, it will be organised for the back end of this calendar year.

We are going through serious due diligence with our partners.'

Previous industry speculation had predicted that a float would take place some time next year.