VIP merges with sister company Realtime

Realtime Distribution name to vanish as a result of distribution union

The Realtime Distribution brand name is to disappear from view as it prepares to merge with sister company VIP Computers.

Components and peripherals distributor VIP bought gaming specialist Realtime back in 2006.

The two outfits have opted to merge their operations after "assessing current market conditions" and concluding there are opportunities "to work together as one".

As a result of the union - which will occur over the coming months - Realtime Distribution managing director, Mark Reed, will leave his role in early 2013 and Realtime will be rebranded as VIP Computers.

Richard Marsden has been appointed as sales director and Duncan McAuley as purchasing director for the newly combined operation.

Chairman of VIP Computers, Jatti Sahni, said: "Moving forward we will gain more vendors to support our combined strong customer base; and in turn our customers will be offered with a wider range of vendors, products and support services.

"This merger will cement our position as a major and much stronger components distributor within the UK market. It will also ensure we maintain our competitiveness and deliver better solutions to our customers".