Exclusive: XMA and Viglen seal super-merger

As predicted by CRN, deal to create 'super-OEM' has been signed

Viglen and XMA have merged to create a super-OEM with a turnover of close to £250m.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see the two firms come together to challenge the tier-one players in the education space.

CRN understands staff of both companies were informed of the merger yesterday, which CRN revealed in December would happen this month.

Speaking exclusively to CRN, Bordan Tkachuk (pictured), chief executive of Viglen, explained that the two companies would operate as separate entities for the time being, but that he would take on a new role of chairman of both companies, with XMA chief Lee Hemani becoming managing director of both firms.

“A new super-company has been born and the new management structure is in place. We want to ensure that customers continue to receive the same service from both companies and that business will be as normal,” he said.

Tkachuk said the overlap between the two firms is minimal, with a "lot of synergy" between them.

“For the public sector it is good news because it is a brand new competitor on the scene.

"Now firms such as Computacenter, SCC and Kelway are in our sights, and it is going to make some of the tier-one [manufacturers] nervous as well. This is going to give us a great position to offer best-of-breed products to the marketplace,” he added.

As a result of the deal, CRN also understands that Lord Alan Sugar will no longer be associated with Viglen.