Brazil buoys Datatec numbers but UK climate still "very weak"

Logicalis and Westcon owner set to crack $5bn sales mark but mature markets remain gloomy

Datatec is set for a healthy top- and bottom-line boost in its 2012 fiscal year, but "the environment in the UK is still very weak", according to a trading update issued today.

The South Africa-based owner of Westcon and Logicalis expects revenue for the 12 months to 29 February to come in at about $5bn (£3.2bn), up from $4.3bn in FY11. Post-tax profit is expected to rise more than 80 per cent year on year to about $84m.

Datatec claims its growth has been fuelled in part by "another period of exceptional performance" in Brazil. North America and Europe reportedly "remained challenging" during the year, although "there have been signs of recovery emerging in the US". However, the firm laments that "the environment in the UK is still very weak".

Full results are due to be published on 16 May.