Metrologie hungers for big Mac buy in France

Metrologie International is looking to increase worldwide economies of scale by buying Mac distributor P-Ingenierie.

If successful, the acquisition will make Metrologie France?s biggest distributor, with a turnover of about #300 million.

P-Ingenierie, which has a turnover of Fr580 million (about #60 million), is France?s largest Apple distributor. It specialises in multimedia, graphics and internet products. The company carries a largely Mac-focused product line, including Adobe, Agfa, Claris and Quark.

Metrologie said P-Ingenierie?s product line and customer base would complement its current focus, adding that relationships with suppliers and resellers would not be affected.

But the acquisition raises the possibility that Metrologie UK, not traditionally a Mac distributor, could start to carry Apple products, or products for the Mac market. Metrologie UK was not available for comment.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by September. Metrologie France will merge back office, sales and logistics functions at the Metrologie SA headquarters. It will also set up a services division to offer consultancy, training and support.