Westcoast-ALSO merger provides opportunity to 'chase down' TD SYNNEX: Alex Tatham

"There could not be a better partner for Westcoast UK customers, vendors and staff"

As the distribution world is left to absorb the news of Switzerland-based distribution giant's acquisition of Westcoast and the departure of UK MD Alex Tatham, CRN caught up with the channel legend to get his thoughts on what the buyout would mean for the UK business in the short term.

On his last day with the company, Tatham shared his insights on how the buyout is expected to play out, what the combined strengths of the business might be and where this leaves the competition.

The acquisition first needs to be cleared by the UK and European regulators before any major business changes can begin.

"The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval so that there will be a quiet period.

"After it has been approved (which I am sure it will be) – [Westcoast CFO] Sunil Madhani will drive the business forward and manage the integration. [Westcoast chairman] Joe Hemani will take a backseat," Tatham says.

"No other news at this stage but it will be interesting to see how this integration will happen – so many opportunities for all parts of the business."

As for where the most exciting opportunities for integration might be, Tatham points to Westcoast's cloud spinout and the two companies' vendor rosters.

"Indeed, the work started with a fine collaboration on large pan-European resellers and continued with Westcoast Cloud using ALSO's panel for its successful UK Cloud business," he says.

"ALSO's strengths here will help Westcoast Cloud and there will be other vendors that will look at the opportunity (both directions) with relish I have no doubt."

After getting the UK business over the line of the merger, Tatham is confident that the joint entity will rival big fish TD SYNNEX on the European scene.

"The combined business will be close to €15bn – and should challenge TD SYNNEX – with so many opportunities ahead – the business combination should provide a wonderful opportunity to chase them down," he says.

"There could not be a better partner for Westcoast UK customers, vendors and staff. I am proud of my part in getting Westcoast to this pivotal point and wish all my colleagues well for the future."