VIP catches Techfever
Components distributor adds e-tailer to its stable
Components distributor VIP Computer Centre (VIP), has made its second acquisition in as many months, snapping up e-tailer Techfever for an undisclosed sum.
Techfever is a small e-tailer of IT products, geared towards the SME and techically proficient consumer, which was established in 2004. It was also the first company to pilot VIP’s XML Services and has been virtual warehousing VIP products ever since.
The firm joins Realtime Distribution in the VIP stable, which the firm acquired in January. It will run independently from VIP and will concentrate mainly on the digital home market, an area VIP has highlighted as a growth opportunity. The company will continue to source a selected range of products from VIP via XML and will include audiovisual (AV) products from other suppliers.
VIP claims the acquisition will not only complement its existing business, but will build on relationships with key vendor partners, such as Microsoft, Nvidia and ATI, which are investing significantly in the AV market.
Jatti Sahni, chairman of VIP said: “Techfever has been a customer of VIP since it was established, and provides us an opportunity to reach consumers with pre-established links via XML. The acquisition allows VIP to steer Techfever away from competing with our customers into a growth market.”
Stuart Davies, managing director of Techfever added, “This is a great opportunity for Techfever to develop by moving from a mature and highly competitive market of price focused components and IT products, dominated by major e-tailers to a value-add supplier of niche digital home products. The structure, support and financial backing of the VIP group will be of great benefit to the company.”