Stone Computers plans further acquisitions
Aggressive VAR oulines plans following its merger with Compusys
Aggressive VAR Stone Computers intends to make further acquisitions after its merger with rival reseller Compusys last week.
As revealed by CRN (CRN Online, 21 November), the two firms have joined forces to create a company with a combined turnover of £100m with strengths in education, high-performance computing and local councils. However, both firms will operate as separate entities and will keep their brand names.
Jamie Russell, sales director at Stone Computers, told CRN: “The beauty of this deal was that although 75 to 80 per cent of our business is very similar, we sell to different markets, so there is no overlap.
“Stone is strong in the school and further-education market, Compusys is strong in the university, emergency service and high-performance computing markets. Another benefit is that the merger gives us economies of scale for greater procurement savings and we get a base in the south.”
He added that the two firms are still working on the final integration plan.
“We have no desire for wholescale change,” he said. “Both companies are successful in their own rights and we want it to be seamless for our customers because we have a lot of long-standing relationships.”
The merger is the second high-profile consolidation move in as many weeks. Earlier this month, Phoenix IT snapped up Servo Computer Services for £30.2m (CRN, 13 November).
Russell added that the firm has aggressive plans for the coming year.
“We intend to be the consolidator rather than the consolidated,” he said.
Eddie Pacey, director of credit at Bell Micro, said the move made sense.
“I’ve known both Stone Computers and Compusys for many years. This is a good deal for both companies because it gives them both an extra bite and edge to their business.”