A digital copiers specialist headquartered in Hampshire has joined one of the largest independent dealerships of its kind in the UK.
Canotec, which provides managed print services and document management solutions to 2,000 companies and organisations across southern England, is now formally part of the DMC Group in an acquisition through DMC Business Machines Plc.
Ringwood-based Canotec, which has 40 staff and was founded 21 years ago, will benefit from combining forces with DMC; the combined group becomes one of Canon’s largest and most advanced independent suppliers of print and document solutions in the UK and Europe.
The deal sees Canotec, one of Canon UK’s top Advanced Solution Partners, join DMC as part of DMC’s continued investment and commitment to growth.
David Newman, Canotec founder, and fellow director Mark Allen, who heads up Canotec South West from the firm’s Bristol office, remain major shareholders in the new group and will continue to lead Canotec’s operations.
The deal will provide national customer sales and support, along with a highly successful distribution business within the group.
Canotec will operate as an independent subsidiary under the umbrella of DMC Plc, creating one of the biggest players in the industry.
DMC, founded 22 years ago, with offices in Croydon and Manchester, has a national reach, with revenues in 2012 of just under £30m.
Both companies, whose directors have been industry friends over three decades, are Top 5 Canon dealers.
Mr Newman said: “Both companies share a similar ethos and approach, of putting the customer experience at the heart of everything they do.
“The merging of these two businesses is all about enhancing that customer experience and taking service and customer care to a new level in the industry.
“This is a terrific fit. We truly complement each other and share the same vision and aspirations.
“There are immediate benefits with greater combined buying power, fast access to DMC’s superb logistics and distribution model with their extensive stockholding and a seamless national managed print capability across all of our combined regions.
“It must be stressed that it is very much business as usual for customers and staff as we continue to grow the business regionally under the highly respected Canotec brand, providing the most effective document solutions for our customers.”
DMC’s Managing Director and co-founder, Jon Hill, said: “We are excited about bringing Canotec into the DMC Group – they bring more than 21 years’ knowledge and expertise which will undoubtedly strengthen DMC’s service capabilities in the South and South-West regions.
“They will also enhance our solutions portfolio and presence in specific verticals.”
Matthew Searle, Director, Canon UK Partner Channel, said: “DMC and Canotec have over the last 20 years been highly successful and professional partners for Canon.
“Knowing both companies well, I am confident that the enlarged group has the talent and potential not only to be a key partner for Canon, but also a major force within the industry in the years to come.
“The synergy between the groups and the positive benefits for their customers is one of the most exciting aspects for us.”
Regarding the deal, a formal announcement to Canotec’s employees was made in person by David, joined by DMC co-founders and directors Jon Hill and Justin Nicholson.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
