Ingram snaps up DBL Distributing

Distribution giant strengthens consumer electronics division in the US with latest acquisition

Broadliner Ingram Micro has bolstered its consumer electronics standing in the US by signing a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of specialist distributor DBL Distributing for approximately $96m.

DBL reported 2006 turnover of almost $300m following four years of double-digit sales growth. The firm will act as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ingram Micro, maintaining the same brand name, business model and management structure to ease the transition for reseller and vendor partners.

Greg Spierkel, chief executive of Ingram said: “Our acquisition of DBL Distributing is another step forward in Ingram Micro’s consumer electronics strategy. This strategy positions Ingram Micro at the forefront of two significant trends: the continuing convergence of commercial and consumer technologies and the growing importance of retailers in the marketplace. The transaction is an example of how we plan to deploy capital in the future – through strategic acquisitions that spur growth, enhance profitability and expand our addressable market.”

Keith Bradley, president, Ingram Micro North America, added: “This acquisition provides us with a complementary portfolio of products and services for a new and expansive customer base. We plan to leverage this opportunity by cross-selling our current selection of information technology products to DBL’s customers as well as offer our customers access to DBL’s extensive CE accessory products.”

David Lorsch, chief executive of DBL Distributing, said: “We are excited to be a part of Ingram Micro and at the prospect of being able to offer a wider range of information technology products to our customer base. Our world-class management team led the company to 18 straight years of impressive annual growth, and we’re looking forward to joining with Ingram Micro to provide the necessary resources and capital to help us continue this legacy.”