3 CDW

Revenue: £990.6m (+2%)

Net profit: 4.9% Staff: 439

This NASDAQ-listed giant cemented its status as the world's largest IT reseller in October 2021 by acquiring rival Sirius Computer Solutions for $2.5bn.

CDW counts the US, Canada and the UK as its three territories, with its business on this side of the pond (which is based on its 2015 acquisition of Kelway) growing revenues two per cent to £990.6m in calendar 2020. Net profits rose marginally to £48.8m as a shift in customer spending towards services - which jumped 17 per cent to £141.6m - enriched its bottom line. Product sales fell by £2m to £849m.

The UK arm delivered "mid 20 per cent growth" in local currencies in the three months to 30 September 2021, CDW CEO Christine Leahy revealed on a recent earnings call, with digital transformation, security and hybrid cloud all driving demand.

Boasting 2,600 staff and 3,900 mid to large customers, IT solutions integrator Sirius adds $2.04bn to CDW's top line.

Covid impact

CDW UK said lower costs on travel and entertainment helped it boost margins last year. This was at least partly offset by higher spending on PPE, remote work enablement and facility cleaning, it noted, however.