Computacenter takes a leaf out of ETC book

Reseller decides it takes two as it christens wholesale business CCD in its push into distribution

Computacenter is trying to make a name for itself in distribution after relaunching its wholesaling business under a separate brand called CCD.

The reseller said it had plans to boost distribution from #60 million to #100 million by the end of next year.

The extra push into distribution, backed by advertising, is expected to irritate Computacenter?s trade-only rivals.

One broadliner was unimpressed. ?I don?t know how sticking a new name on the business will legitimately split the distribution and reseller business off in the minds of the reseller base. The business is only large because it services the largest dealer,? he said.

Martin Hellawell, Computacenter general manager, denied any issues of channel conflict, saying: ?We had a distribution arm which traded under the Computacenter name but now we want to separate it out like ETC and SCC. Resellers our size buy direct and smaller players aren?t bothered so it?s not a problem. It?s a good market to be in because it complements our own business.?

Computacenter admitted the core business benefited from the CCD arm, as both businesses could double up on warehousing and databases.

Computacenter chief executive Mike Norris said the company was ready to take on major distributors. ?The distribution business has performed tremendously well and is now of a size where it warrants its own identity. We are very committed to being a leading player.?

The reseller has had a distribution arm for the past nine years and has accounts with IBM, Compaq, and Toshiba.