GSS sells up to MTI
GSS to become storage integrator's security practice after duo agree deal
Security VAR Global Secure Systems (GSS) has reached a deal to be acquired by storage integrator MTI, ChannelWeb can reveal.
Talking to ChannelWeb, GSS managing director David Hobson (pictured), would not talk about the specifics of the deal, but revealed that GSS would act as MTI's security practice. The agreement was finalised this morning.
Godalming-based MTI is one of EMC's largest European partners with overseas presence in Germany, France and the Netherlands. It recently outlined plans to hit the acquisition trail.
Hobson said GSS would now be part of a £100m company with the potential to expand the GSS brand into new services and markets as well as mainland Europe.
"MTI has an impressive list of clients that contrasts with ours. It is a very exciting prospect to put the two together," he said.
Worthing-based GSS is a top Websense partner with 40 staff and 2010 revenue of £9m. In 2007, it acquired similar-sized VAR Peapod. GSS'acquisition follows that of several other large UK security integrators, including Vistorm, Netstore, Integralis and Data Integration, by larger players (EDS, 2e2, NTT and Xchanging respectively).
Hobson said the combination of a storage and security specialist was a natural fit.
"MTI has a strong track record of looking after its clients' data and we have a strong track record of securing our clients' data." The GSS brand name will be retained, added Hobson. "Everything will be as was, only better," he said.
Financial details have not been disclosed, although it is understood that GSS' debt formed at least a part of the deal. More details will follow.
Etienne Greeff, director of rival security VAR SecureData, said the deal made sense for MTI: "This is further evidence of the convergence of the security, storage and networking markets becoming facets of the same problem," he said.
"GSS is a well-respected brand and it is good to see some stability returned to the company."
Ian Kilpatrick, chairman of distributor Wick Hill, said: "This is a positive move for GSS and I am pleased they have reached a deal."