Exclusive: QBS Software acquires Zedsphere
Ambitious distributor targeting £60m revenue after snapping up managed services-focused distributor
UK software distributor QBS has acquired a majority shareholding in Warrington-based distie Zedsphere, marking its second purchase of the year so far.
QBS acquired French distie Siener Informatique last month as part of its plans to expand further into Europe.
Zedsphere, which specialises in the managed services market, was established in 2015 by its managing director Rick Yates. QBS stated that the VAD's acquisition will add a further 814 unique resellers to its current roster.
Managing director Dave Stevinson told CRN that there were a number of factors that made Zedsphere an attractive acquisition prospect.
"It has a high proportion of monthly recurring revenues, similar values as us and it has a good scale to grow," he explained. "Both companies are really hungry for net new business."
"We are developing QBS to meet the current and anticipated requirements of our reseller partners and software publishers - we see this acquisition having future value for the specialist software distribution landscape.
"The acquisition of Zedsphere strengthens our software delivery platform and gives us a dedicated arm with a laser focus to deliver outstanding services to the MSP community."
Stevinson acquired QBS last year, after establishing GNR Technology in 2017.
The acquisition of Zedsphere also marks the first office in the north for QBS, which also has locations in London, Paris and Telford.
Stevinson also revealed that he expects QBS' organic revenue to grow over 50 per cent to hit £60m for its current financial year.
"At QBS a key criterion of how we measure ourselves is our ability to execute on our vision," he stated.
"This acquisition is an example of how we are pursuing that vision to be the most important software distributor to the EMEA reseller community.
"We will 100 per cent deliver on that vision through a blend of organic growth and acquisition. Expanding into neighbouring geographies is our next priority."
Stevinson said that the Siener Informatique integration is still in progress, and he has Italy, Germany and the Netherlands in his sights as part of QBS's European growth plans. However, he added that he won't acquire for the sake of it.
"Making acquisitions is always complicated - even more so when it's in a different geography," he said.
"We are not desperate to buy - we want to make sure we find the right company that fits with our ethos and our plans."