Apogee picks up Direct-Tec

Managed print specialist Apogee has made its first acquisition since it came under the ownership of HP.

The managed print services (MPS) specialist has acquired Direct-Tec Group, which has offices in Southampton, London, Tonbridge and Salisbury. Details of the purchase were not disclosed.

The managed print world has been forced to adapt to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and was recently warned by market watcher Quocirca that hybrid working would force some changes, with an emphasis on providing a package of support that covers both home and office workers.

For Apogee, the decision to go after Direct-Tec was a chance to add more depth to its sales in the education, healthcare, legal, charity and commercial sectors. The firm also brings Microsoft-accredited staff that will extend the managed services that can be delivered.

Apogee also signalled that this was likely to be the first of many acquisitions as the business continues to expand.

“This acquisition for Apogee helps strengthen our position as the leading multi-brand provider of managed workplace services in the UK as we continue to drive growth in the European market,” said Aurelio Maruggi, CEO of Apogee.

“Direct-Tec’s reputation will enhance Apogee’s coverage and capacity to support its clients throughout the UK. This acquisition forms part of our ongoing growth strategy as we aim to create the perfect combination of secure and flexible solutions for our clients’ hybrid workforce,” he added.

Direct-Tec has itself grown through acquisition over the past few years, picking up Century 21 Business Products in January 2019 and Select Business Equipment in October 2018.

HP picked up Apogee in August 2018 in a move that was designed to give the firm more traction in the A3 copier market.

The deal was valued at £380m, with Apogee itself expanded through acquisition over the past four years to become one of Europe’s largest provider of MPS and document management technology.

Elsewhere in the printing world, Hampshire-based Abbey Office Solutions has indicated that it will become a sole Canon reseller, offering the vendor’s products across Southern England.

Abbey Office Solutions will get training on the Canon range and will be joining the vendor’s New Starter Programme, which will allow its sales teams to learn a variety of new skills to help drive profitability. 

The business will also be enrolled into Canon’s Partner Programme, and as a silver partner will get access to the support that the vendor provides to that level of partner.

“With changing market conditions locally, there are some strong growth opportunities ahead for our business. Canon is the perfect partner to support us on this journey – with a superior product range, competitive prices, fast turnaround speeds and unrivalled training and support,” said Wayne Loon, managing director of Abbey Office Solutions.