Distributor Exertis is buying rival Hammer, a specialist distributor of server and storage solutions, subject to approval from the European Commission. Hammer has offices in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands, employing 165 personnel. It generated sales of £155.0 million for the twelve months ended 31 January 2016 and distributes products from a leading range of vendors including Dell, Intel, Netapp, Seagate and Western Digital, to almost 1,000 value added resellers, cloud service providers and systems integrators. DCC Technology, which trades as Exertis, has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of Hammer based on an initial enterprise value of £38.3m.
The acquisition aims to build Exertis’ enterprise portfolio and enhance its capability in the mid- and higher range server and storage market. Following regulatory approvals, expected to be completed by the end of 2016, Hammer will continue to operate as a standalone business with both entities capitalising on the benefits of the acquisition.
Niall Ennis, DCC Technology managing director says: “Hammer has enjoyed considerable success in providing value-added services and bespoke solutions in a number of vertical markets for their customers and has a well-earned reputation as a storage specialist. The acquisition has significant benefits for both companies increasing Exertis’ expertise and solutions in the storage market, complementary to our existing server and enterprise business, and providing Hammer customers and vendors with a platform for growth within a diverse and financially strong technology distribution company. In addition, this deepens Exertis’ presence across several European countries.”
James Ward Hammer, managing director said “We see great synergy and opportunities for our customers, vendors and employees in joining Exertis. By leveraging the complementary strengths of both companies we can only add value to what is an exciting proposition for all our stakeholders. We look forward to working with Exertis management teams and building on the success of both companies”.