Xeretec acquisition of Bytes Document Solutions creates Xerox super VAR

Xerox’s largest Managed Print Services (MPS) provider in the UK, Xeretec, has announced it has acquired Xerox reseller, Bytes Document Solutions (BDS), part of the Bytes Technology Group (BTG), to become the vendor’s largest reseller in Western Europe in terms of scale, managed print services and large production equipment sales.

Xeretec says the deal, for an undisclosed amount, will accelerate the pace at which it will achieve its goal of becoming a £100m turnover organisation by September 1, 2019. Its current £57m annual turnover will be driven by a combined team of 220 employees based in 11 offices across the UK and Ireland.

Steve Hawkins, Xeretec’s group managing director says the acquisition has significant advantages for customers, staff and Xerox. “The values of Bytes Document Solutions’ are an ideal complement to Xeretec’s, making this is a win-win development for all, while starting a new chapter in the Xeretec success story,” he comments.

The firm claims the sale of BDS by BTG will enable Bytes in the UK to continue its focus on software services, where it already partners with vendors such as Microsoft, Checkpoint, Symantec, VM Ware, Citrix and Oracle.

In a statement Neil Murphy, group MD at Bytes, said: “The Bytes Group intends to invest further in its software and software services capabilities. Importantly, we will work in close partnership with Xeretec moving forward to ensure customer satisfaction is our number one priority. ”

“The MPS market is moving beyond the core services of fleet optimisation and management. Progressive MPS providers need to expand their capabilities beyond print and gain broader expertise in areas such as personalised marketing communications, business process automation and IT services,” says Louella Fernandes, a print market specialist with analyst Quocirca.

“With the acquisition of BDS, Xeretec will be well have access to a wider services portfolio that can address evolving MPS customer needs.”

To ensure continuity for customers, Xeretec says all current customer relationships, service and support will continue to be served uninterrupted by existing offices.

Leatherhead-based Bytes UK was formed in 1982 and employs 250 people in the UK, with revenues of £150m.