Bechtle Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of Qolcom, Strengthening Digital and Network Solutions Portfolio

Bechtle Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of Qolcom, Strengthening Digital and Network Solutions Portfolio

(IN BRIEF) Bechtle AG has expanded its UK operations by acquiring Qolcom Limited, a Newbury-based systems integrator specializing in digital workplace solutions, network infrastructure, and security. This acquisition strengthens Bechtle’s presence in the British IT market, linking its operations in London and Chippenham. Qolcom’s team of 44 employees and its annual revenue of €30 million will add expertise and market share to Bechtle’s portfolio, especially in the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) space. This marks Bechtle’s third UK acquisition in three years, following previous purchases of ACS Systems and Tangible Benefit. Bechtle UK now employs 370 staff across five locations, generating around €290 million in revenue.

(PRESS RELEASE) NECKARSULM, 7-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Bechtle AG has further expanded its presence in the United Kingdom by acquiring Qolcom Limited, a well-established systems integrator based in Newbury. This acquisition, part of Bechtle’s continued international growth strategy, strengthens its foothold in the British IT market, linking its existing operations in London and Chippenham. Founded in 2005, Qolcom specializes in digital workplace solutions, network infrastructure, and security, with a workforce of 44 employees and an annual revenue of €30 million. The acquisition allows Qolcom to benefit from the global reach and resources of Bechtle while maintaining its brand identity and local reputation. Keith Reading, Qolcom’s Managing Director, will remain in his role as General Manager.

The addition of Qolcom marks Bechtle’s third UK acquisition in three years, following the purchase of ACS Systems in 2022 and Tangible Benefit in 2023. This acquisition further solidifies Bechtle’s position in the UK’s B2B market, enhancing its ability to offer Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions and expanding its team of certified IT professionals. Qolcom customers will gain access to Bechtle’s extensive international portfolio, offering new opportunities for growth.

Bechtle’s UK operations now span five locations, employing 370 people and generating combined revenues of around €290 million. The acquisition is seen as a significant step in Bechtle’s ambition to become one of the top 10 IT solutions providers in the UK.

Konstantin Ebert, COO of Bechtle AG, emphasized that Qolcom is an excellent fit for Bechtle in terms of both its team and its portfolio, noting that the acquisition aligns with Bechtle’s inclusive corporate culture. Keith Reading, Managing Director of Qolcom, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the growth potential for both customers and employees through Bechtle’s global network.

James Napp, Managing Director of Bechtle UK, will oversee Qolcom’s integration, praising the team’s expertise and strong relationships in the networking and security sectors, which will bolster Bechtle’s capabilities in the mid-market, enterprise, and public sectors.

While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the move represents another important step in Bechtle’s long-term growth in the UK market.

About Bechtle
With more than 100 system houses and IT e-commerce in 14 countries, Bechtle is one of Europe’s leading IT providers and never more than a stone’s throw away. Bechtle also has a worldwide partner network to fulfil the needs of its customers on every continent. Founded in 1983, the Bechtle Group is headquartered in the southern German town of Neckarsulm and currently employs over 15,000 people. Over 70,000 customers from the industrial, trade, financial and public sectors rely on Bechtle to drive their digital transformation with a cross-vendor portfolio that spans the whole world of IT infrastructure and operations. Bechtle is listed on the MDAX and TecDAX indexes. In 2023, the company generated a revenue of €6.42 bn.

Read more at: bechtle.com

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications
Sabine Brand
Bechtle Platz 1 | 74172 Neckarsulm
Phone: +49 7132 981-4115
E-mail: sabine.brand@bechtle.com

SOURCE: Bechtle AG