CHS mistake turns into reality

CHS Electronics has finally bought UK distribution units of Appropriate Technology (Aptec), following the purchase of its Middle East operations last year.

The acquisition is part of CHS' push to expand into value-added distribution and includes Aptec's multimedia distribution business and Paperlink, its document management systems and software arm. The division will fit in to the value-added business alongside Metrologie while CHS UK will continue to focus on broadline activity and Karma for its components.

Confirmation of the acquisition comes six weeks after PC Dealer discovered that CHS' Website already listed Aptec as one of the distribution giant's four UK subsidiaries, along with CHS Plc, Metrologie and Karma.

At the time, Ali Bagdhadi, managing director of Aptec, claimed Aptec listing as a CHS UK unit was 'a mistake'.

Last week, Bagdhadi told PC Dealer there would be no changes to Aptec's management team and he will now be responsible for the Aptec operation, reporting to Garry Boon, UK regional director at CHS.

In June 1998, CHS purchased Aptec's operations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

CHS is still expected to make a big acquisition in this year's first quarter. Speculation has mounted about a deal with Pinacor, the US distribution arm of reseller MicroAge.

But Peter Rigby, director of marketing at CHS, told PC Dealer that plans could be on hold until its share price improved. The share price stood at $8.56 on 8 March, up from $7.50.