QBS strengthens South African footprint with Titus acquisition

CEO Dave Stevinson talks Titus, global expansion and plans for $1bn business

QBS Software, the enterprise software distributor with ambitions of hitting $1bn in revenue by 2030, has acquired South African firm Titus Corp.

Speaking to CRN, QBS Sofware CEO Dave Stevinson shares his enthusiasm for the acquisition, finalised on Friday.

"This deal brings around 220 new partners into the network and 16-17 staff, as well as a dedicated platform to deliver long-tail software distribution in South Africa.

“Titus specialises in high-volume, high-velocity transactions with a level of detail and capability that's rare in this industry."

Titus specialises in enterprise software delivery via an “extensive” partner network throughout the South African Development Community (SADC).

The acquisition isn’t just about geography, though South Africa already plays a significant role for QBS, as shown by the Maxtec buyout earlier this year.

"We already have a strong base of 110 people in South Africa, but this move allows us to expand into DevOps and long-tail software brands, complementing our existing cybersecurity strengths.

“It’s about leveraging their DNA and vision to integrate seamlessly with ours."

Stevinson emphasises the meticulous approach behind the distributor’s M&A strategy: "Titus has been on our radar since early 2020.

“We’re not just buying businesses; we’re aligning with people and processes that resonate with our culture.

“The trick is to acquire firms that look like us—same mindset, same attention to detail. That’s what makes integration successful."

The integration plan for Titus is already in motion, Stevinson says, and the distie is still very much on the acquisition trail.

This marks QBS’ 12th acquisition as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

According to Stevinson, the company is eyeing further deals across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with an M&A budget in the ballpark of £50m.

"We’re building a global brand driven from the UK," he says.

"Our goal is to take what we do best—software distribution through intermediaries—and expand it internationally."

With the closure of this acquisition the company is setting a strong pace for the new year.

As Stevinson summs up: "This is just the beginning.

“With the right partners and platforms, we’re building something truly global, step by step."