Westcon buys ReView

Distributor lands the right to sell Polycom in the UK after latest acquisition

Westcon has bagged the right to sell Polycom products in the UK after acquiring the assets of US distributor ReView Video LLC.

The acquisition-hungry distributor has dropped $25m in cash for Chicago-based ReView, which became a Polycom exclusive distributor at the end of 2006.

As well as being one of the Polycom’s largest US distributors, ReView has the right to sell Polycom’s IP-video and audio-conferencing products on this side of the Atlantic.

Westcon said the move was inspired by the rapid growth of the video-conferencing market, which is being driven by end-users’ push to reduce emissions.

ReView generated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $4m in 2006 from a turnover of $57m.

Jens Montanana, chief executive of Westcon parent Datatec, said in a statement: “This is an important strategic acquisition for Datatec as it immediately positions Westcon as a leading voice and videoconferencing distribution company.

“Significantly, this acquisition makes Westcon one of the leading Polycom
distributors in the world.

“ReView's strength in IP-based video conferencing products and services, combined with Westcon's focused technology solutions and operational infrastructure, represents an enormous opportunity for their customers."