Exclusive Networks in talks with investment firm Cobepa

Distie enters early stage of negotiations with Belgian investment company Cobepa

Exclusive Networks has entered into negotiations with Belgian investment firm Cobepa, a source has confirmed to CRN.

Last month the pan-European distributor announced it was on the hunt for a new financial backer and it now appears to be one step closer to finding one.

The company is currently backed by Omnes Capital, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners (EdRip) and Socadif, but it has been the subject of 10 bids from new investors in recent weeks, CRN understands.

A source said negotiations have been entered into with Cobepa, but talks are still at an early stage.

It is understood that the distributor's negotiations with Cobepa are exclusive. But the source stressed that "now is when the real scrutiny begins and it's quite a long and complicated process".

If a deal is reached, the matter is likely to be completed within about two months.

Exclusive Networks was the subject of 10 bids for its business, from firms in the US, the UK, and across Europe, CRN understands.

Last month Exclusive Networks recorded annual revenues of €627m (£461.83m) for 2014, up by about €300m from the prior year.