Xerox swallows Scotland's Concept Group

SMB digital imaging and print specialist bought by global giant

Xerox has bought Livingston-based print and imaging provider Concept Group for an undisclosed sum, with the stated aim of expanding its SMB success in the UK.

Concept Group – a Canon and Xerox partner founded in 1984 – comprises nine UK offices, spread from Aberdeen to London, and 50 sales staff, with about 3,000 customers on its books. It will now operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the US print giant.

Colin Paterson, founder of Concept Group, said in a statement: "Our aim has always been to exceed customer expectations with regard to performance and cost savings. The acquisition means we’ll be able to do that even better."

He claimed this would be achieved by bringing Concept customers Xerox’s products and managed print services (MPS) expertise. Paterson will continue to lead the company, reporting directly to Xerox's president of indirect channels, Douraid Zaghouani.

"Channel expansion continues to be a key aspect of the Xerox strategy for Europe. With Concept Group, we significantly increase our presence across the UK," said Zaghouani.

The past three years have seen Xerox expand its drive into the SMB market in Europe. In that time it also bought Ireland's Irish Business Systems and Dutch reseller Veenman.

In other news, Xerox announced a European partnership with Office Depot in the Netherlands to deliver MPS.

According to Mike Elbers, vice president of marketing and merchandising for the office supplies retailer across Europe, the deal gives its customers access to print services, cross-Europe delivery opportunities,and both Xerox and non-Xerox hardware lease arrangements.

"This exclusive partnership is the first European offering of its kind to bring a multi-brand solution in office supplies and print capabilities for our broad customer base," said Elbers.