CMS among new firms to join global distribution council

International distribution body also signs up German and American VADs

CMS Distribution is one of three firms to have signed up to the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), joining the likes of powerhouses Ingram, Arrow and Tech Data.

Fellow disties Siewert & Kau and Tessco Technologies - based in Germany and the US, respectively - were also added to the list of names on the council.

The GTDC is a consortium representing distributors and supports the development of supply-chain partnerships in the channel. Its members' sales exceed £117bn in annual revenue.

A rival organisation called the Technology Channels Alliance was set up in 2016, with Westcoast and Exertis among its members.

Frank Salmon, CEO of Anglo-Irish distributor CMS, said that joining the council is a significant step in the company's growth and stature in the industry.

"The GTDC will serve as a critical asset in leveraging partner opportunities and capitalising on industry developments as we continue to expand our channel presence throughout the world," he said.

CMS, which generated revenues of $447m in its last financial year, has locations throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.

German VAD Siewert & Kau reported £659m in revenue in its latest financial year.

Bjorn Siewert, on of the company's founders and MDs, said that he looks forward to joining the conversation among his peers regarding the challenges and opportunities facing the channel.

"We pride ourselves on active and consistent alignment with our vendor partners, and the framework provided by the GTDC will only further this mission,"Siewert stated.

North American VAD Tessco Technologies, which reported revenue of £116m in its Q4 2018, caps off the newest council members.

Tim Curran, GTDC CEO, said that the new additions are adept at introducing new services to the channel.

"The role of distribution is as important as ever at the centre of technology ecosystems," stated Curran.

"Our analysis of aggregate distributor sales reflects strong growth in the US and Europe this year.

"Vendor partners are engaging in dynamic new ways to advance their business in current and emerging markets."