Neckarsulm, March 17, 2014 – Bechtle AG announced a global alliance with PC Connection, Inc., an IT provider based in North America. The alliance responds to increasing demands by international businesses for global integration by extending Bechtle and PC Connection’s e-commerce capabilities, ensuring customers have access to innovative IT solutions, trusted guidance, and the highest level of service. The alliance is part of Bechtle’s strategy to expand its IT e-commerce segment. Thus far, Bechtle has founded IT e-commerce subsidiaries within Europe under the brand names Bechtle direct, Comsoft direct and ARP. Acquisitions have also contributed to segment growth.
The alliance enables multinational customers to receive local support from Bechtle or PC Connection’s regional offices in their respective countries, eliminating the barriers of language, currency, and different time zones. Access to an international network of vendors and distributors ensure greater buying power and consistent, affordable, and efficient global IT fulfillment. Key criteria such as portfolios, web shops, and service quality were considered in forming the alliance, which was well received by major manufacturer partners of both companies.
Jürgen Schäfer, COO IT E-commerce of Bechtle AG said, “Our agreement with PC Connection, Inc. is the beginning of an international alliance that we hope to expand with them in the future. This arrangement will allow both companies to gain access to new markets and customers. The most important prerequisite for both of us was that our customers be able to enjoy the same level of service wherever they are located.” James Napp, Head of Global Alliances at Bechtle added, “PC Connection is a very good fit for us, as we generate comparable levels of revenue and share a similar corporate history and culture. We were also pleased by their management’s pragmatic, solutions-oriented attitude.”
“Many of our multinational customers have requested support overseas; our alliance with Bechtle offers these customers the same high standard of service in-country that we provide here in the U.S., said Susan Fazelpoor, President, Sales Support and Marketing Division of PC Connection, Inc. “Bechtle was the obvious company of choice for us, as their organization has a proven track record of outstanding service, extensive solutions capabilities, and a broad range of expertise. We look forward to working with them to solve the IT challenges of our international clients.”
Bechtle and PC Connection plan to continue to extend their global IT coverage. A growing market of international customers in search of efficient, seamless technology procurement presents a unique opportunity for IT providers with a global reach and the ability to deliver exceptional service and support through collaboration.