SCH buys UK print services outfit

TSG says acquisition by IT hardware goliath will not lead to channel conflict

Specialist Computer Holdings (SCH) has filled a hole in its UK portfolio by acquiring multi-vendor printer support firm Technical Support Group (TSG), in a move the duo insist will not cause channel conflict.

With a turnover of £1.7m and 22 staff, TSG provides multi-vendor print services, working with manufacturers including Brother, Samsung and Ricoh, and their dealers.

Although no official announcement had been issued until CRN contacted the firms, Companies House documents indicate that TSG changed its registered address to SCH's James House headquarters on 2 February.

On the same day, SCH's Sir Peter Rigby and James Rigby were appointed as directors of the firm.

The duo today confirmed that SCH has taken a 100 per cent stake in the firm, although TSG will retain its brand, management and head office in Brentwood.

Meyer Kempf will stay on as managing director.

Kempf told CRN: "SCH wanted multi-vendor support in their portfolio and we now have a big brother with deep pockets to keep up with my manufacturers' requirements. We now feel much more secure."

TSG works with the bulk of UK printer dealers but Kempf said its acquisition by SCH - whose integrator arm SCC is a major managed print player - would not impact its business model.

"Some of our channel partners and manufacturers may feel uneasy with us being purchased by someone that has a managed print business, but we have been purchased by SCH not SCC," he said. "It has not bought us to churn our database or gain an unfair advantage in the race for managed services contracts."

He added: "SCH have renewed the lease on our building so have clearly shown to me and my staff that they are not here to tinker with our business model, but to build on it."

In a statement, Mike Swain, who heads up Services for the SCH Group, said: "These additional resources mean we can continue to respond effectively to the growing customer demand for a 'walk-in-and-take-over' approach, allowing us to transform and transition their print strategy over time, rather than an expensive refresh at the start of the contract."