Man and Machine offloads distribution business to Tech Data

VAD set to become VAR after distribution giant buys certain assets to strengthen its Autodesk offering across Europe

Tech Data has entered into an agreement to acquire certain assets from the value added distribution business of European-wide player Man and Machine.

Under the terms of the deal - which both sides hope to be completed by the end of October and is subject to European Commission approval - the assets will become part of Tech Data’s Datech (TDDatech) business.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, strengthens Tech Data’s position as Autodesk’s top VAD in Europe, gives it a presence in Benelux and Romania, and extends its product portfolio to include Autodesk software for the manufacturing industry in Italy, France, UK and Poland.

An unspecified number of staff will also join the TDDatech team.

Nestor Cano, president of Tech Data Europe, said: “This agreement is further evidence of Tech Data’s strategy to grow its specialist divisions by making selective acquisitions in technology areas, and geographies where we can continue to grow profitably for our shareholders and enhance the service and support to our customers.” As a result of the acquisition, Man and Machine plans to transform its business into a value added reseller model.

Adi Drotleff, chief executive of Man and Machine, said: “We are happy to pass our Autodesk VAD business to Datech after more than 25 successful years in this business, knowing that it will be in good hands.

“For the Man and Machine group, this marks the second and final step from distribution to value-added reselling, which we had started three years ago in the German speaking countries and are now rolling out across Europe.”

Mike Appel, director of TDDatech Europe added: “We are very excited about this agreement. It fully supports our strategy to expand and enhance our service and specialised added value to the Autodesk VAR channel. We are committed to make this a great success for our VAR customers, Autodesk and for TDDatech.”