Matrix swoops on Harrier Group subsidiaries
Way is clear for firm to acquire after 'technical challenges'
After talks fell through just weeks ago, Matrix Communications Group finally cleared the way for it to acquire the three trading subsidiaries of VAR Harrier Group.
Under the agreement, acquisition-hungry Matrix bought Harrier Zeuros, Harrier Zeuros Storage Systems and Ikan for a total cash sum of £4.5m.
Ian Smith, chief executive of Matrix, told CRN that because both companies were publicly listed, they had to disclose their discussions early on.
"We then discovered some technical challenges with merging the two listed companies, so in the end we decided it was easier to buy out the trading companies which sat underneath the Group," he said.
"It was a much quicker way of getting the deal done."
With its latest acquisition, Matrix's sixth in just over 12 months, the firm will gain greater traction in the security market, and also a foothold in the storage market. Harrier will be integrated into Matrix's Integration group, and no job losses or changes in location are expected.
Matrix currently operates a distribution arm, the Partner Sales group, and a reseller arm, its Integration unit.
Last week the firm announced it is also launching a third unit, the Fujin Technology division.
The new system integration unit will focus on providing services and technology to mobile operators worldwide.
Peter Drinkwater, who will head the unit, said the firm will be providing security such as content filtering to mobile devices, anti-virus and anti-spam to mobile phones and content streaming for the operators.
"There is so much opportunity here. We will have our first international contract in a short while, and go onwards from there," he said.
However, Jens Montana, chief executive of Datatec, said the market for providing operators with security already has several established players, so Matrix could face a challenge.
"This is a well-trodden path. Mobile networks are now on their third generation, so they are well served in terms of security," he said.