AURELIUS steps into IT distribution sale saga with Exertis acquisition

The buyout of the British business “provides greater opportunities” for its vendors, customers, and people, said CEO Tim Griffin

Germany-based private equity investor AURELIUS has acquired Exertis IT from its parent company DCC.

The deal also includes Exertis Supplies, Exertis Ireland, Macro EV, Exertis Supply Chain Services, MTR, Hypertec, and Ztorm.

This follows DCC’s announcement in November 2024 that it would start a strategic review of its technology division.

The organisation intends to focus on its energy business, as it considers that it represents the biggest growth opportunity.

The North American JAM and Almo businesses, Exertis Enterprise and Cloud in the UK, as well as AV and infrastructure businesses in Europe with Connect, Azenn, Amacom, AV DACH, AV Italy, Exertis Nordics and AV Spain, will remain part of DCC.

“We are delighted to have found new owners who are committed to accelerating our growth, and that of our partners through dedicated focus and investment,” said Tim Griffin, CEO of Exertis IT.

“I firmly believe this sale positions Exertis IT for long-term success and provides greater opportunities for our vendors, customers and our people.

“It’s business as usual for us providing an exceptional portfolio and industry-leading operations.”

Andrzej Cebrat, MD at AURELIUS IV and V, added: “Exertis in the UK and Ireland ticks all of AURELIUS’ boxes: with £2bn in annual revenues it is an attractive size, and it offers significant operational improvement potential.

“It will allow AURELIUS to play to its strengths by deploying its WaterRise team of specialists to support a return to operational excellence and growth.”

WaterRise is the investor’s operations advisory team which aims to support its portfolio companies in transforming their processes, by aligning their leadership, optimising their management practices, and building capabilities.

The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of this calendar year, subject to regulatory clearance.

Last year, Tim Griffin, CEO of Exertis, told CRN he wished for his company to be acquired by a buyer who understands its “international footprint and sees the value in [its] diverse geographic presence.”

In addition to Germany, AURELIUS is present in the UK, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Malta, Italy, Sweden, and the US.

The IT distributor has also been acquisitive itself recently, with the investment in Apple service provider Group 8 in April.