Reading’s Westcoast to merge with Swiss IT distributor ALSO
IT distributor Westcoast looks set to merge with Swiss firm ALSO, pending regulatory approval.
Established in 1983, Westcoast has grown to become the Thames Valley’s largest private company, with a turnover of £4.2 billion last year.
The firm acquired rival Dorset-based distributor Spire Technology this April.
Joe Hemani, chair of Westcoast, said: “This is an alliance of two highly successful businesses sharing the same mindset of growth.
“Over the last 42 years, our company went from strength to strength, and this is how it will remain in the future.
“The continuity of the business, which is paramount for vendors, customers, and our team alike, is secured with this move.
“I’m excited to play an active role during what I know will be a smooth transition and beyond.”
The deal will see Joe become a major shareholder in ALSO and maintain leadership over operations in Germany and the Netherlands under the Westcoast name.
Gustavo Möller-Hergt, chair of ALSO, added: “We already have a successful collaboration, providing more than 1.5 million seats to end customers of Westcoast with access to the cloud via the ALSO Cloud Marketplace.
“This next level opens exciting opportunities for us to scale our business and benefit from the expertise of the UK team.
“For our customers, it means the highest level of expertise in IT provisioning, cutting-edge infrastructure solutions and services via digital platforms such as cloud, AI, IoT and cybersecurity.”
