Apple reseller Computers Now (CompNow) has purchased Victorian-based DesignWyse, strengthening its foothold in the Apple solutions market and expanding its reach across Australia.
CompNow managing director Renai Ingersole said the acquisition was a natural fit between two companies that shared a similar client base.
It was a good opportunity for both of us," Ingersole said. "DesignWyse will benefit from larger infrastructure and technical support. There are a lot of skills and a broader product offering that CompNow clients will be able to benefit from too.
Ingersole outlined CompNow's evolution since its establishment in 1990.
Established in 1990 as an Apple reseller, CompNow initially serviced the consumer market, but over time our focus has shifted to developing customised procurement and support services for education, government and business," she said.
"In FY13, CompNow turned over almost $80 million delivering these solutions. Apple still forms part of our core product offering but our key relationships have broadened and now include a range of strategic vendors, enabling us to provide a more comprehensive solution set, from traditional desktop deployments through to large-scale mobility solutions.
According to CompNow's statement, DesignWyse recorded nearly $20 million in revenue during the 2013 financial year.
The acquisition will lift CompNow's total staff count to 110 employees, although 10 DesignWyse roles have been made redundant due to overlap.
The management team at [DesignWyse] have been very good," Ingersole said. "We have no intentions of walking in and restructuring any more than what has been done. There were 20 employees that we offered positions to, and there were 10 redundancies as a result of de-duplication.
CompNow currently operates offices in South Melbourne, Crows Nest (Sydney), and Adelaide. The DesignWyse deal adds a fourth site in Victoria, which will remain separate for now.
DesignWyse turns over almost $20 million and we certainly don't want to do anything to undermine that," Ingersole said, noting that the company had no immediate plans to integrate the two Victorian sites.
However, she confirmed that a rebranding effort is planned.
In the new calendar year there will be a greater focus [on rebranding]," she said. "They will absolutely be integrated into the CompNow brand.
While CompNow achieved nearly $80 million in revenue last financial year, Ingersole declined to disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.
