Avnet moves to consolidate

After an aggressive acquisition drive in 2007, Avnet continues development

Distribution giant Avnet Technology Solutions has consolidated its UK offices as it continues to develop its value-added distribution (VAD) model.

The firm went on an aggressive acquisition drive in the second half of 2007, snapping up the Enterprise Infrastructure Division of Magirus and the IT Solutions division of Acal (CRN Online, 27 September).
Last week, all staff from Avnet’s Woking and Slough sites moved to the Bracknell office, leaving just the Acal office as a stand-alone site.

Matthew Gower, vice president of Avnet Technology Solutions said: “Historically, we have been seen as disjointed by both vendors and customers, but we are now getting the structure in place to be a true VAD.
“A VAD should be able to help resellers move more towards solutions selling, and as a distributor, if you want to stay alive you have to move into solutions and services.”

Gower added that all the acquisitions Avnet has made have either consolidated business or added new product lines, such as HP. “However, we are not trying to be a broadliner; we are definitely a VAD,” he said.