Verticals

In search of growth

After trying to expand beyond IT distribution, was Alviva’s acquisition of Tarsus a step back to the old familiar?

16 November 2021

The local IT channel has long been ripe for consolidation. But in a somewhat surprising move, in November last year, Alviva, which is the parent group of distributors Axiz and Pinnacle, acquired distribution rival Tarsus in a R185 million deal. According to Alviva CEO Pierre Spies, the opportunity came out of the blue as Tarsus’ owners approached the holding group about a potential takeover. While Alviva wasn’t in the market for acquisitions at the time, as it was busy trying to integrate previous purchases, the opportunity was deemed too good to miss.

Spies says the move now gives the group the top three distribution players in the country. Competitors Mustek, Drive Control Corporation and Westcon might disagree, but the combined power of the three Alviva subsidiaries undoubtedly puts the group in a leading position in the local distribution space.

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