France’s Exclusive Networks Acquires TLK

TLK Distributions GmbH, VAD in security and networking solutions for the German enterprise market, has been acquired by Exclusive Networks Group for an undisclosed sum.

Shareholders in TLK prior to the acquisition, now hold a proportion of shares in the Exclusive Networks Group’s new German subsidiary.

The acquisition is a milestone in a strategy by Exclusive Networks Group to create a pan-European Value Adding Distribution business with the skills, relationships and commitment to high-margin, technologies typically found only among nationally focussed specialist distributors.

Operated as a single-touch, integrated group of independently-led, entrepreneurially-spirited business units, Exclusive Networks Group now spans over 14 countries in Europe, including Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Benelux and each of the Nordic countries.

The acquisition sees TLK’s senior management team assume responsibility for Exclusive’s German business operations, with key principals Martin Twickler and Alexander Sprau taking up the posts of joint CEOs. The Exclusive Networks Group’s new German subsidiary will continue to trade under the name ‘TLK’ until further notice.

"TLK has long been regarded as a well-managed and hugely respected business both inside Germany and among the global vendor community. This acquisition is key for us as we execute on our vision to be the ‘market accelerator’ for disruptive and innovative networking, IT security and infrastructure technology companies launching and growing in the pan-European marketplace," commented Olivier Breittmayer, CEO of Exclusive Networks Group. "We already share the same world-view, and the same consistent value add-approach; focussing upon solutions which provide the market with real value and real opportunity. TLK also has that same great experience and heritage in continuously evaluating innovative vendors and technologies, and working hand-in-hand with reseller partners in order to create solutions for their customers."

"Our two companies are on the same wavelength," states TLK’s Martin Twickler. "As we go forward together, neither of us needs to waste any energy to fit into a different environment. The Exclusive Networks Group emphasises the independence of its country subsidiaries. It is Exclusive’s belief – and ours – that the specific strengths and experience built up in local markets is a very strong asset, and that was an important point for us. The quality of our people and our relationships is what has made us so successful, and it is gratifying to know that Exclusive Networks values and understands this just as much as we do."

"For TLK’s existing customers, they will have the same contact person as before; deliveries will come from a German warehouse and the structures for local support, RMA, training and service will also remain the same. Opportunities will increase however, as we leverage the added strength, reach and expertise of the Exclusive Networks Group. For vendors, the change means easier access to Europe-wide contracts and strong distribution partners in all the major European markets. At present, the vendor portfolios of the two organisations are almost entirely complementary, with virtually no overlaps."

The addition of TLK to the Exclusive Networks Group is expected to boost its annual revenues across Europe to around €270m, employing 280 people, with potential for further growth both nationally and internationally. The TLK acquisition comes six months after Exclusive Networks Group’s acquisition of VADition, an UK value-added distributor.