Pure Data Solutions settles with HP over special bid misuse

Incident involved two former employees and dates back over two years, Leeds-based VAR says

HP Inc has reached a settlement with Pure Data Solutions, one of its Gold partners, regarding a historic special bid misuse incident.

The Leeds-based VAR confirmed in a statement to CRN that it had reached a private agreement with the vendor.

"Pure Data Solutions Limited confirmed today that it had reached a private agreement with HP to resolve an isolated incident involving a partner agreement anomaly from over two years ago," said Cliff Fox, chief operating officer at Pure Data Group.

"The incident involved two former employees misusing special bid processes. The people responsible left the employ of the company following discovery. Since that point the company has made significant investment in improved procurement systems and increased compliance to prevent any possible re-occurrence.

"Pure Data Solutions Limited is a leading HP Gold partner and has the complete support from HP on its new strategy, launched in April 2016, to develop and grow the business."

Pure Data Group - which comprises Pure Data Solutions and recent acquisition Servatech - hit revenue of £20m in its last financial year.

A new strategy launched in April under Fox, who joined in January, sees the VAR aiming to double revenue to £40m and make three more acquisitions. A group rebrand is also planned in the next few months.

HP Inc declined to comment, saying it doesn't comment on individual customer cases.