Computacenter acquires IT logistics firm in Germany

MD Reiner Louis tells CPI the buy is to strengthen the reseller's ability to service customers in the west of the country

Computacenter Group has acquired the IT logistics business of ALBA Group in Germany, its MD Reiner Louis has told our sister publication Channel Partner Insight.

Headquartered near to Cologne, ITL Logistics currently employs 80 people at three locations in Germany.

It provides technology logistics and IT services for enterprise customers and public sector clients across Europe.

Louis said the key rationale behind the buy was to increase Computacenter Germany's ability to service customers in the west of the country.

"They are close to Cologne. And if you want to serve customers in that part of Germany, it's 500 kilometres away [from Berlin].

"So therefore, you need a logistics partner who can work close to where the customer sits, and the distribution in the area."

He added: "We have had to really look for this because there are often no places on a customer's site where you can store things. So you have to that on your own.

"With our acquisition, we can now do these last mile deliveries with our own people, which will bring a lot of benefits."

ITL logistics specialises in IT couriers who deliver and collect IT products from across the continent.

It also operates regional warehouses where IT products are held, configured, repaired and disposed of.

Louis said the reseller may make further acquisitions in other parts of Germany to build out its logistics capabilities in a similar vein.

"This is always something that we are looking for. There may be other areas in Germany where we can extend our business.

"And I'm pretty sure Mike [Norris] is looking for that on a worldwide basis."

ITL Logistics will continue to exist under the same name as its own legal entity.

A purchase price was not disclosed.

Computacenter Group's last acquisition was of Canada-based VAR Pivot Technology Solutions, in September of last year.