The acquisition is subject to approval of the EU regulatory authorities and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010. The proposed transaction with MCC, currently part of Triade Group in The Netherlands, forms part of a separate intended acquisition by Tech Data Corporation of Triade Group, which includes several Triade subsidiaries in the Information Technology (IT) and Consumer Electronics distribution markets.
MCC is a major supplier in The Netherlands and Belgium of mobile telephony and personal navigation devices, as well as new business opportunities in smartphones, net- and notebooks, accessories and e-reading, to retail channels including telecommunications dealers and consumer electronics stores. MCC has an impressive portfolio of major vendors in both countries including: Gigaset; HTC; LG; Nokia; Samsung; Sony Ericsson; and Tom Tom.
Customers will benefit from the combined product and service portfolios of both companies, including access to leading portable PC brands through Tech Data and the introduction of RIM BlackBerry products and services from Brightstar Europe to the Dutch and Belgian markets. The acquisition provides a value proposition for vendors and customers in the Benelux that leverages the expertise, strengths, and established relationships of both organisations to deliver incremental benefits.
Rod Millar, president of Brightstar Europe said: “MCC has an excellent reputation in both the Dutch and Belgian markets with a skilled workforce, a strong vendor portfolio and a loyal customer base. We look forward to driving the business forward by taking advantage of the growth opportunities that exist in a converging market.”
After the acquisition, MCC will continue to operate as a separate entity, within the Brightstar Europe joint venture, from its offices in The Netherlands and Belgium. Huub Lamers, CEO of MCC will lead the Benelux management team, reporting to Millar, with Ronald Albers remaining as country manager for Belgium. Lamers added: “With this step, MCC will play an important role in further establishing Brightstar Europe’s presence in the region whilst maintaining MCC’s longstanding, excellent market position in both countries. At the same time, our customers and vendors will enjoy the benefits of being an integral part of a larger business and our employees will benefit from enhanced career opportunities within an international organisation.”
Brightstar Europe, through its joint venture partner Tech Data, has operations in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the Benelux which benefit from a significant centralised back-office IT infrastructure and superior logistics resources, as well as from the strong capital structures of both Brightstar and Tech Data.