MTI hints at acquisitions as it takes 'very close look' at firms
Reseller eyes $200m revenue across Europe
Reseller MTI has admitted it is strongly considering making up to two acquisitions which could close before the year is out as it sets out its plans for 2015.
The Godalming-based reseller - which has operations in France and Germany and serves customers globally - is aiming to grow 20 per cent annually in the year ahead, which would take the Group's revenues past the $200m (£132m) mark.
Speaking to CRN, MTI's senior vice president for sales Ian Parslow (pictured) said the growth will be achieved organically but that acquisitions could boost the figure.
"There are a couple of companies we have taken a very close look at and liked the look of in the past 12 to 18 months," he said. "We and they are considering our options - [that] is the best way to describe that one. We are considering our future [and] the viability of an additional purchase."
When asked if the possible acquisitions would close this year, he added: "I would absolutely hope so, yes."
He admitted that as the firm grows, the long-standing 20 per cent growth figure gets harder to attain, but insisted his company is continuing to perform, much to the delight of its private-equity backer Garnett and Helfrich.
He said although the backers will eventually sell MTI, he sees no reason for any imminent action.
"We have achieved all the targets and metrics they have set us over the past few years since they have owned us and I suppose you would have to argue that if we are not putting a foot wrong on the growth in the business and the EBITDA is going in the right direction, then... why would [they] want to sell us?" he said.
"If we continue on the trajectory we are on and have enjoyed over the past five years, I would be very surprised if they wanted to make any decision around MTI's business."
Last year, MTI looked to its fellow resellers for growth as it launched its own managed services partner programme. In the summer the firm said it hoped 70 per cent of its managed services growth would come from the programme. In November, MTI's head of channel Chris Roberts left the firm.
Parslow said while the channel programme is "on the right course", the firm is keeping a close eye on how it fits into its wider strategy.
"I absolutely would like to build out of our channel model but the reality is that those type of products and solution offerings are a little bit commoditised," he said.
"I would prefer to win larger enterprise-type accounts which are clearly more profitable for MTI and easier for us to support and maintain as opposed to multiple customers or partners.
"We continue to pursue our channel model and continue to consider the options but there is probably not much more to say than that. As it stands today it is business as normal but we are monitoring what the market wants to do."