New Kerio parent GFI appoints Infinigate for two-tier model in UK

Kerio had previously seen the lion's share of its business go direct to resellers, with Exertis picking up the leftovers

Infinigate has been signed as Kerio's sole distributor in the UK, following the security and collaboration vendor's acquisition by GFI Software.

Kerio had previously seen three quarters of its UK business put through a single-tiered distribution model, with Exertis handling the remaining 25 per cent, according to Infinigate.

GFI's long-standing relationship with Infinigate has triggered a change, with 100 per cent of Kerio's business now set to go through the distributor.

Kerio, which was acquired by GFI in January, provides security and collaboration products around areas including email, firewall, unified threat management and collaboration.

Murray Pearce, managing director at Infinigate UK, said: "Infinigate Group has enjoyed a successful partnership with GFI for over 10 years and we are very pleased to be working closely with them as they expand their business through the acquisition of complementary technologies such as Kerio."

"As with other GFI products, Kerio provides simple-to-use, yet powerful and cost-effective solutions for customers. Kerio offers the channel the right recipe for success with advanced technology, quality support and a good partnership with healthy margins, along with the resources that make it easy to do business.

"Infinigate UK plans to on-board resellers initially, and then expand their partner network through cross-selling Kerio solutions, both within their GFI partner base and in their wider channel network."

GFI has worked with Infinigate since 2016 when it switched to a two-tier channel model, having previously sold mostly direct to resellers.

The Malta-based vendor shows no signs of slowing down its acquisition activity, with a deal to acquire networking vendor Exinda agreed in April - following the Kerio announcement in January.

On his appointment in 2015, CEO Scott Brighton said to expect an "aggressive M&A" strategy from GFI, bankrolled by the firm's mystery new owners.

Thomas Witting, VP of global distribution at GFI Software, said: "Kerio is a great strategic fit with GFI's focus on providing communications and security solutions to companies around the world.

"The acquisition of Kerio strengthens GFI's ability to deliver on its promise to create simple yet powerful products for SMBs."