Westcon SA expects to wrap up integrating Comztek into the group by December, when the back-ends of the two companies will be merged.
Datatec bought Comztek for R88 million from Mustek and other shareholders, and is merging it with its local Westcon unit. The deal doubles Westcon's African business and gives it access to 26 countries.
The combined business has a head office in Johannesburg and regional offices in KwaZulu-Natal, the Cape, Port Elizabeth, Namibia, Mauritius, Zambia and an East African office in Kenya.
Westcon SA CEO Paul Conradie says the group has announced a new internal structure, which has six units and is aligned with Westcon's global structure. Conradie, addressing media this morning, said that the combined company will have a turnover of R2 billion, and more than 320 employees.
Comztek will be integrated into Datatec's Westcon SA subsidiary, operating under the under the banner of Westcon and co-branded Comztek
"As there has been little to no overlap between the two businesses, the structure of the new company will see several components of the Comztek business take on the face of separate business practices within the overall group."
The six units are: Comstor (Cisco business), Comztek Consumer Solutions, Westcon Communications Solutions, Westcon Mobility Solutions, Westcon Security Solutions that includes an electronic and network division and Comztek Software Solutions.
Staff opportunities
Conradie adds that Comztek gives Westcon access to a pan African footprint, as well as consumer and software offerings and staff now have more opportunities for global promotion through Westcon.
Staff will be moved around to fit in with the structure in early August and the financial and operating systems will be integrated by December, says Conradie. In a year's time, the Midrand and Paulshof buildings will be moved to a new building, which may be in Midrand, he adds. "We call it the 160 day trek."
There is currently minimal overlap between the two units and the company is in the position to currently be looking for additional staff for the businesses, as opposed to having to rationalise, says Conradie.
Post reorganisation, Mineworkers Investment Corporation, its empowerment partner, will have a 40% stake in the combined business; Comztek management will own 9.9% and Datatec, through subsidiary Westcon Emerging Markets Group, 50.1%.
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