Infotheek Group, a Leiden-based supplier of ICT equipment, is making a major move by acquiring its industry peer Scholten Awater, based in Nijmegen. As a result, Infotheek Group will add approximately €230 million in profitable revenue to its own revenue of €352 million (2016 figures).
Since March of last year, the Swedish investment firm Altor has come on board as a shareholder in Infotheek, alongside CEO Jordy Kool and a trust that manages employee stock. With the Swedish firm as its new investor, the rapidly growing Infotheek (600 employees) aims to further strengthen its position in Europe, with the goal of reaching approximately €1 billion in revenue.
Used IT Equipment
“Scholten Awater is a perfect fit for Infotheek,” Kool said in a statement to the FD. The company has a strong position in the Netherlands as a supplier of new IT equipment to large companies and public institutions, such as colleges and universities.
The internationally orientedInfotheekowes its name to its role as a supplier of used PCs, laptops, servers, and smartphones, which the company refurbishes itself. In addition, Infotheek sells brand-new IT equipment. In the Netherlands, it supplies businesses and institutions, such as elementary schools, high schools, and regional training centers (ROCs).
Saphin Investment Group
Founded in 1993, Scholten Awater (250 employees) is owned by Saphin Investment Group, which still includes the company’s namesakes, Scholten and Awater. Infotheek had had its eye on the company for some time. Luuk Slaats, commercial director at Scholten Awater, says that with this acquisition, the company has found the right partner “to further shape our growth ambitions and the associated willingness to invest.”
850 FTE
Infotheek Group is growing into a company with 850 employees. Through acquisitions and organic growth of 10%, it aims to reach €1 billion in revenue. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets has yet to approve the acquisition. The companies are not disclosing any financial details. Last year, Scholten Awater posted a net profit of €6.3 million. Infotheek has yet to finalize its annual financial results.
Integration Starting in 2018
According to Kool, Scholten Awater will operate as an independent company alongside Infotheek this year. The management team of the Nijmegen-based company will also join the new owner. The integration process will begin in 2018.
Kool also has plans to streamline the structure of the rapidly growing Infotheek Group. He envisions two divisions, one focused on resellers and the other on end users.
It is still unclear under what brand name Scholten Awater’s operations will continue in the future. The company is also known for sponsoring the Zevenheuvelenloop. With a view to simplifying the corporate structure, Kool is keeping all options open, even that of a completely new brand name for his own company. “But Scholten Awater is a very strong brand and a high-quality company,” he says. “It has a good reputation in the market.”
