East Lancs tech firm acquires Dutch rival for EU growth

Bosses at a leading East Lancs technology firm have announced plans to take over a Dutch rival.

Exertis chiefs believe the anticipated link-up with Amacom, based in Den Bosch, will help them make in-roads across mainland Europe.

The announcement comes as Exertis, which has a major presence in Altham and Hapton, confirmed the acquisition of German AV distributor Comm-Tec.

Outlining the rationale behind the first deal, Gerry O’Keeffe, managing director for Exertis International, said: “Amacom provides us with the opportunity to expand our consumer electronics business in Continental Europe. There is great synergy between our two companies in the consumer market, which we can leverage to the benefit of our vendors, who increasingly want to work with fewer partners across Europe.

“Amacom is well respected for its sophisticated distribution and service capabilities, serving the Benelux market with an impressive, online portal that is widely used by retailers, and has strong relationships with key vendors.”

Market leaders including LG, Panasonic, Phillips, Samsung, Sony and Clearplex are among the blue-chip clients for Amacom, which will retain its current chief executive, Dick Engels, reporting to Mr O’Keeffe, in future dealings.

Mr Englels added: “This is a significant step for Amacom that will enable us to be part of a highly successful operation which is rapidly expanding its presence across the globe.”

The two deals comes hot on the heels of encouraging year-end results for DCC, the parent company of Exertis.

Mr O’Keeffe, on the Comm-Tec acquisition, added: “Pro audio-visual is a strategic priority for Exertis, growing from an already strong position in the UK and Ireland, Nordics and France, along with recent market-leading acquisitions in North America, Comm-Tec is a key investment in our continuing growth story.”

An estimated 80 staff work for Amacom, which has annual revenues of £137.8 million and 150 work for Comm-Tech, which generated £78 million last year.