Xerox Expands SMB Distribution In Europe With Irish Acquisition
January 20, 2010 - Xerox has announced its acquisition of Irish Business Systems (IBS) for approximately $31 million, expanding Xerox's reach into the small- and mid-size business (SMB) segment in Europe. IBS has eight offices throughout Ireland, is a managed print services (MPS) provider, and is the largest independent supplier of digital imaging and printing solutions in Ireland.
By acquiring Irish Business Systems, which is located in Cork in the Republic of Ireland, Xerox says it'll increase its sales force and gain access to more than 11,000 new customers in Ireland. The acquisition is part of Xerox's expanded distribution in both the SMB and MPS markets throughout Europe. This is Xerox's eighth acquisition in the past two years, and is an all-cash transaction. IBS will sell the full range of Xerox office and light-production products and supplies, including all Phaser, WorkCentre and the ColorQube 9200 MFPs.
Notes Douraid Zaghouani, senior vice president of Xerox Europe's European Channels Group, "With this acquisition, Xerox will increase its presence in all parts of Ireland. IBS is a strong office-technology and managed print services provider in Ireland. Their extensive distribution and customer support complement the benefits of Xerox's technology and solutions."
IBS will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Xerox, will maintain its name, and keep its headquarters in Cork. Its management team and employees will continue to operate as part of IBS. Xerox currently employs over 700 people in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in Dublin, Belfast and Dundalk; these employees are are engaged in manufacturing, technical support, finance and treasury, and sales and marketing.