Apex fires up M&A engine

IBM partner looks to splash the cash in the next month

King: we are seeing life pick up in the IBM channel

IBM reseller Apex is aiming to complete an acquisition by March to boost its managed services prowess.

The Cirencester-based outfit has opened dialogue with two potential targets, that have revenues approaching £5m, in a bid to shore up its mid-market position.

Chief executive Nick King said Apex finished its fiscal first half 2010 to 31 December 14 per cent over budget following a bleak 2009.

“We are seeing life pick up in the IBM channel,” said King. “There is still consolidation going on in the market and we feel very positive. We are a £15-20m business and our scale allows us to respond to client needs more quickly than larger competitors.”

King added that Apex’s strategy ties in well with IBM’s recent decision to hand daily control of the 100 to 1,000-seat space to partners.