Arvato is part of the Bertelsmann group, a German private multinational conglomerate corporation, and is one of Europe’s largest supply chain and fulfilment specialists, working across retail, technology and consumer services.

The new position is part of Bamboo’s intention to move from a largely UK-focused operation to a broader European footprint, She will focus on operational delivery, partner development and identifying growth opportunities in European markets.

The appointment follows Bamboo Connect’s rebrand in April last year, which repositioned the business around digital device insurance, repair, refurbishment and lifecycle management as it prepared for international growth.

Juney Mistiki, CEO of Bamboo Connect, said Johnson’s experience would be relevant as the company develops its European operations. “Sylvia brings a strong background in fulfilment, logistics and people management,” he said. “That experience will be important as we look to build partnerships and scale our operations across Europe.”

At Arvato, Johnson was responsible for a workforce of more than 170 employees across Europe and managed multi-country operations covering supply chain management, logistics and fulfilment, transport management and digital solutions.

Alongside her logistics background, she has more than 15 years’ experience in mobile and gadget repair and refurbishment and is a former Director of Operations at lifecycle product management platform Servify, This experience will support Bamboo Connect’s activities in device protection, repair and lifecycle management and in Insurtech-and Fintech areas.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/analysis-distributors/article/bamboo-connect-appoints-top-tier-operations-and-logistics-expert-to-push-expansion-into-europe/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/editorial-exertis-aurelius-and-the-reality-of-a-major-acquisition/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/editorial-exertis-aurelius-and-the-reality-of-a-major-acquisition/#respond Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:14:10 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179472 The acquisition of Exertis UK from DCC by private equity firm Aurelius, reportedly valued at around £150 million, was a massive ripple across the mobile and IT channel. That discussion has turned into a tsunami amid substantial headcount reductions as the business undergoes restructuring, writes Ian White

While the scale of potential job losses has understandably drawn attention, many industry observers suggest the changes should be viewed in the context of challenges that Exertis’ UK operation was already facing prior to the transaction.

Challenges

Former employees and channel contacts describe Exertis as having experienced increasing strategic and operational pressure over the past two years. These pressures are said to have included organisational change, leadership turnover and the loss of vendor and customer relationships.

Several former staff have pointed to a period of uncertainty during which priorities shifted frequently and communication was limited. While Exertis retained brand recognition and market presence, some insiders suggest the underlying operating model became harder to sustain as market conditions tightened.

In that environment, staff turnover increased and cost control measures became more visible, contributing to a sense of instability within parts of the organisation.

Aurelius

Industry analysts caution against assuming that Aurelius acquired Exertis with the intention of preserving its existing structure or scale. Private equity investments of this nature are typically focused on identifying and stabilising assets with ongoing commercial value.

These may include customer and vendor contracts that continue to generate revenue, ogistics, warehousing and systems capabilities, ramework agreements and market access, a recognised brand with established channel reach

Such investments often involve reassessing cost structures and organisational complexity, particularly where revenues and overheads are no longer aligned.

Tthe current restructuring may be seen as part of a broader effort to realign the business with prevailing market and financial realities.

Complexity

Feedback from former employees frequently references concerns about internal complexity and cost in the period leading up to the acquisition. Multiple layers of management, duplicated roles and repeated reorganisations are cited as having increased overheads without delivering corresponding improvements in performance.

Some staff also describe a perception that internal initiatives expanded while commercial execution became more challenging. Sales teams, in particular, highlight tightening controls and ambitious targets during a period of market pressure.

While perceptions naturally vary across large organisations, these views help explain why confidence among employees and some partners may have weakened over time.

Redundancies 

From an investment perspective, workforce reductions are often a feature of restructuring programmes in underperforming or transitioning businesses. Exertis’ UK operation was widely regarded as having a cost base that required review. Investors willl be reducing headcount to:improve short-term cash flow stability focus on profitable activities, reassess vendor and customer relationships and determine which parts of the business are viable in the long term

This approach aligns with Aurelius’ established role in complex restructurings and carve-outs across multiple sectors.

The Future

Few expect Exertis to emerge from this process unchanged. Most industry observers anticipate a smaller, more focused operation, potentially centred on specific categories, customers or contractual relationships. Some assets may be retained. Others may be sold or exited depending on performance and strategic fit.

For employees, the period remains highly uncertain. For vendors and customers, continuity and clarity will be key considerations as the restructuring progresses.

Perspective

It would be an oversimplification to attribute Exertis’ current situation solely to its new ownership. Many in the channel view the restructuring as the outcome of issues that had been developing over time, combined with a change in ownership that has prioritised financial and operational reassessment.

Private equity firms typically act on existing conditions rather than create them. In Exertis’ case, those conditions appear to have included strategic uncertainty, rising costs and declining confidence among some stakeholders.

The valuation reflects the perceived value of assets at the point of sale, rather than a commitment to maintaining the business in its previous form.

The situation serves as a reminder that scale and brand recognition alone are not sufficient to ensure resilience. Sustained performance in distribution depends on strategic clarity, operational discipline and maintaining trust with employees, vendors and customers alike.

Tatham will advise EGE on investment, processes, and sales and marketing strategy. nHe runs his own consultancy, 4 Tay Consulting, offering advisory services to clients such as software distributor QBS Software, marketing agency CI Group, AI software provider Designed to Talk, and mobile e-waste social enterprise Closing the Loop.

EGE Managing Director Peter Carnall said: “We are delighted to have Alex join our team.Just having access to such experience will help the Board and the whole EGE community. We have plans to expand with new products and services, and Alex will provide valuable advice and contacts across the UK and European channels.
He has an infectious personality and boundless enthusiasm alongside his expertise and will make a positive impact in many areas.”

Tatham commented: “I have known EGE as a customer, competitor, and supplier for many years. I was delighted when Peter invited me to help, and I was immediately impressed by the team’s professionalism and the hard work going on. The services they already provide to the mobile phone market can be applied to other areas of the technology market, with logistics facilities ready to support expansion. I look forward to helping and promoting their services across my own network.”

He also speaks on AI and is a regular contributor to channel conferences and industry publications.

Tatham qualified as a chartered accountant with EY and spent 30 years in the UK distribution channel with Ideal Hardware, Bell Microproducts, and Westcoast.

Set to become one of Britain’s largest clean energy projects, Sizewell C will deliver low-carbon electricity to around six million homes and supply approximately seven percent of the UK’s electricity demand. The station is expected to operate for at least 60 years and reduce carbon emissions by nine million tonnes annually.

VodafoneThree will deploy critical connectivity infrastructure to support the project. The first phase includes constructing two 5G masts on site, providing mobile coverage for the construction area and the surrounding Suffolk region. Working alongside local partner Fern Communications, VodafoneThree aims to eliminate radio black spots across the site.

Productivity

The integration of 5G technology will enable real-time data exchange, streamline team coordination, and enhance overall productivity during the large-scale build. VodafoneThree will also deploy fibre connectivity to support WiFi coverage linking the site’s local area networks.

Damian Leydon, Sizewell C Site Delivery Director, said:
“Connectivity is vital for this project. High-quality, reliable connections help us operate at the highest standards of safety and efficiency. It’s an important step to be working with VodafoneThree and Fern Communications to provide what we need on site. Plus, it has the added benefit of bringing 5G coverage to the local area.”

Nick Gliddon, Business Director at VodafoneThree, added:
“We will deliver robust, secure, and resilient communications infrastructure for one of the UK’s most significant energy projects. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing connectivity across the country, ensuring communities and businesses in Suffolk and beyond benefit from the technological advancements Sizewell C will bring.”

VodafoneThree has an established track record in the UK energy sector. It is the connectivity partner for the Hinkley Point C nuclear project in Somerset and serves electricity and gas transmission and distribution operators across England, Scotland, and Wales, supporting energy services for over 22 million UK households and businesses.

To date, Sizewell C has awarded £4 billion in contracts to more than 300 UK suppliers, including £330 million spent with 77 regional suppliers and 41 Suffolk-based companies,

Financial terms have not been disclosed but are estimated to be around £150 million, based on annual revenues and EBITDA. The divestment is expected to be earnings neutral for DCC Technology, which plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt and reinvest in growth areas.

The businesses included in the deal are Exertis UK Business and Consumer divisions, Hypertec, Exertis Supplies, Exertis Ireland, Macro EV, Exertis Supply Chain Services, MTR, and Ztorm.

The sale allows parent company DCC Technology to focus on the faster-growing Pro Tech and Life Tech sectors.

Tim Griffin, CEO at Exertis IT said: “We are delighted to have found new owners who are committed to accelerating our growth, and that of our partners through dedicated focus and investment. I firmly believe this sale positions Exertis IT for long-term success and provides greater opportunities for our vendors, customers and our people. It’s business as usual for us providing an exceptional portfolio and industry-leading operations.”?  

“The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of this calendar year, subject to regulatory clearance and DCC remains firmly committed to supporting the Exertis IT businesses during this time, ensuring a successful transition to the new owne”.

DCC announced seven months ago it planned to get out of the IT distribution sector and to put Exertis up for sale. 

AURELIUS is a Munich-based set up n 2005 by Dirk Markus and Gert Purkert and has grown into a prominent global investor with around 300 deals iunder its belt. It specialises in mid-market buyouts of companies with annual revenues of at least €100 million.Their style is to make operational improvements, with round180 in-house specialists who work on post-acquisition growth.

DCC Technology acquired Exertis in 2021 and positioned the company as one of Europe’s largest tech distributors. The Info Tech segment serves traditional IT hardware and consumer channels, but DCC now intends to concentrate its resources on specialist areas such as professional AV (Pro Tech) and Life Tech solutions, where it sees stronger growth potential and higher margins.

Brands

DCC’s Pro Tech and Life Tech portfolio includes leading North American brands JAM and Almo, its UK-based Exertis Enterprise and Cloud operations, and specialist AV and infrastructure businesses across Europe, including Connect, Azenn, Amacom, AV DACH, AV Italy, Exertis Nordics, and AV Spain.

Clive Fitzharris, CEO of DCC Technology, said:
“Today’s announcement represents an important step for DCC Technology as we sharpen our focus on Pro Tech and Life Tech. We are the largest specialist professional AV distributor globally, serving numerous Pro Tech verticals across North America and Europe. Coupled with our growing Life Tech offerings, this positions us well to capture significant opportunities in technology that enhances experiences and improves lifestyles. I’d like to thank all our people and partners for their ongoing support as we continue to grow togetheExerti

The move reflects wider trends in IT distribution sector, where companies are increasingly prioritising specialist, value-added services over traditional IT distribution which faces intense price competition and channel consolidation.

PanzerGlass is a Danish company specialising in screen protection solutions for mobile devices. Founded in 2013, it is a part of Juhl Bach Holding, a Danish family-owned holding company with a diverse portfolio of businesses. Panzer Glass operates in to more than 70 markets worldwide and employs more than 150 people.

The product line includes screen protectors for smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and automotive displays made from tempered glass, offering scratch resistance, impact protection, and anti-fingerprint coatings.

Steve Hankey, Head of Commercial and Vendor Management at ege, said:
“We’re pleased to add PanzerGlass to our portfolio. As more people hold on to devices for longer, protection products have become more important. PanzerGlass has a strong track record in this space.”

Phaedra Rowe, Sales Director at PanzerGlass for the UK, Nordics, Benelux and France, added: “This partnership helps us strengthen our presence in the UK. ege’s market knowledge and reach make them a good fit for our distribution strategy.”

Both companies say the partnership supports shared goals around product quality and sustainability, with a focus on supporting the longer lifecycle of mobile devices.

PanzerGlass has achieved Corporate GRS certification, indicating that its products contain 60 per cent certified recycled glass and 100 per cent certified recycled plastic

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product. The standard applies to the full supply chain and addresses traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labelling.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/panzerglass-appoints-ege-official-distributor-screen-protectors-cases/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/mvno-giffgaff-enters-fibre-broadband-market-customer-led-trial-phase/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/mvno-giffgaff-enters-fibre-broadband-market-customer-led-trial-phase/#respond Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:34:48 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/mvno-giffgaff-enters-fibre-broadband-market-customer-led-trial-phase/ Telefonica-owned MVNO giffgaff is expanding into home broadband with a trial phase and is inviting up to 500 customers to test the product. The trial offers 12 months of broadband at just £10 per month, with fibre speeds of 500Mbps. Participants will also receive a £100 reward in exchange for feedback. The new service will

Telefonica-owned MVNO giffgaff is expanding into home broadband with a trial phase and is inviting up to 500 customers to test the product.

The trial offers 12 months of broadband at just £10 per month, with fibre speeds of 500Mbps. Participants will also receive a £100 reward in exchange for feedback.

The new service will later be supported by Virgin Media O2’s wholesale broadband infrastructure. giffgaff becomes the first brand to use Virgin Media O2’s new wholesale broadband platform, and the second wholesale customer of nexfibre, a challenger to BT in the UK’s fixed connectivity market. Nexfibre is a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefónica and is financed with £4.5 billion of equity and debt investment.

In keeping with its member-first ethos, giffgaff is calling on its community to help co-create the broadband experience. Giffgaff was founded in 2009 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica UK (O2) offering flexible, contract-free SIM-only plans with a strong emphasis on customer input. The name “giffgaff” is a Scots phrase meaning “mutual giving,”

Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, commented:
“Broadband is a natural evolution for us as a connectivity brand. We’re committed to bringing together the best tech, with the experience of our customers — to build better broadband.”

The move is set to strengthen the national reach of the Virgin Media O2 and nexfibre full fibre network,

Ernest Doku, broadband expert at Uswitch.com, commented: “giffgaff’s entry into the broadband market could be exciting news for consumers looking for an alternative to the bigger players. While giffgaff’s full fibre broadband is only being offered on a trial basis at the moment, working directly with consumers to test its new service as ‘co-creators’ is a good way of showing its commitment to ‘building a better broadband’ The real test will be what kind of pricing will giffgaff be offering to consumers as this product becomes more widely available.

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Alchemy traded over 2.4 million devices globally, up 700,000 from the previous year. The company has traded more than seven million devices since it was set up in 2017.

CEO Walter Vicente said : “Our new operation centre in Miami helped drive growth in the US, which continues to be our largest market. Japan and Asia Pacific saw a 97 per cent increase in revenue and is our fastest growing region.”

The new facility in Miramar, Florida ois Alchemy’s third US site bringing its presence in 12 countries and operating across 60 markets including UK, Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan

The company was ranked top Irish business on the Financial Times 1000 list of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies and came 257th position overall. Alchemy ranked as the 11th  fastest-growing technology company in Ireland in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50

Alchemy also operate through platforms like Loop Mobile selling refurbished phones through large retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. It also has , an online trading platform for wholesale tech buyers and sellers called Callisto.

NB: In-depth expert analysis of the global circular economy mobil device market by the UK’s leading telecoms analysts from CCS Insight, IDC, and Counterpoint Research can be heard at Mobile News’ secondary market conference Circular Summit which take place in London October 22-23

Exertis employees have now voted to select eight local charities including six hospices, one homeless charity and one teenage cancer charity.

The full list is: St Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke, East Lancashire Hospice in Burnley, Overgate Hospice in Elland, St Clare Hospice in Harlow, Prospect Hospice for Hypertec, Teens Unite for MTR, The Big Issue in Snetterton and DougieMac in Stoke.

Mental health continues to be a focal point for Exertis. The distributor trains internal Mental Health First Aiders to support and provide mental health information and guidance withy awareness days such as Time to Talk Day, World Wellbeing Week, and Mental Health Awareness Week.

iSmash had been looking for a sale for several months after its auditors put up a red flag over its future prospects as losses mounted to nearly £6 million, mainly due to the effects of Covid lockdowns and the new culture of Work From Home.

Assurant already has a chain of drop-in repair outlets with its Pocket Geek Tech Repair brand. The iSmash acquisition means it now has 68 locations staffed with accredited tech repair staff. iSmash will continue to operate under that brand.

Assurant Europe president Christian Formby said: “By integrating iSmash’s drop-in repair services and local device care facility, we can offer our customers more convenient and faster options to get their devices fixed. This will enhance our mobile offerings and create more value for our clients and consumers.”

iSmash CEO Chris Murton added: “We are excited to join Assurant as it shares our passion for delivering exceptional value and service to clients and customers”.

iSmash was launched 10 years ago by entrepreneur Julian Shovlin (below). Four years ago, Sky purchased a minority stake with the plan to open some co-located stores together. A year later, Canadian comms giant Telus Corporation took control of the company.”