As a result of the acquisition, Westcon Group is now one of Polycom's largest global distributors through the acquisition of ReView's U.S. and U.K. rights in addition to Westcon's recent Polycom launch in Australia. Polycom is a leader in integrated video, voice and content solutions that deliver the ultimate collaborative experience for companies and organisations of any size.
By acquiring ReView, Westcon increases its ability to integrate collaborative, IP-based video products and services into its world-class portfolio of convergence, security and mobility related solutions. With Review's maintenance program entitled Gold Seal, Westcon also gains a strong foothold in the areas of service and technical support for videoconferencing solutions. According to report by U.S. based researcher Frost & Sullivan, the market for conferencing and collaboration will reach over $2.5 billion by 2009.
Anthony Daley, executive vice president and general manager of the Americas, Westcon Group, commented. "Enterprise and mid-tier companies are realizing new efficiencies and cost savings through the use of IP video conferencing and other collaborative applications--these are no longer 'early adopter' communication mediums. Through this acquisition and our strengthened position with Polycom, we intend to help both new and existing resellers build on their success in this emerging market."
The purchase of ReView marks Westcon Group's third acquisition so far this year. In April it acquired NOXS, the leading European security distributor, and in May it acquired Crane Telecommunications, making it Avaya's leading European distributor. The ReView acquisition enables Westcon Group to deliver collaborative, IP-based solutions to its entire multi-national customer base while providing new customers with access to the financial strength and scale of operations that only an internationally successful distributor can provide.
"We have been very successful delivering IP and video conferencing solutions to our customers for well over a decade," said Timothy Gelman, former CEO of ReView and now vice president and general manager of Westcon Group North America. "When you combine our strength in IP-based video conferencing products and services with Westcon Group's focused technology solutions and operational infrastructure, this represents an enormous opportunity for customers."
David Phillips, Polycom's sr. vice president of worldwide sales, added: "This acquisition is excellent news for Polycom and the convergence-oriented reseller channel. Westcon is well positioned to deliver collaborative video-conferencing solutions and will be able to identify opportunities both across technologies and across its various business practices. The expanded relationship with Westcon in the U.S. makes them one of our largest distributors worldwide."