CMS Distribution snaps up French player

Tom Wright
@TomWrightCRN
11 October 2019

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CMS Distribution has acquired French distie Avesta to bolster its capabilities in the mobile and "high-tech products" arenas.

Avesta brings with it 32 employees, taking CMS' total headcount to over 400 people across the UK, Ireland, France, Benelux and Scandinavia, as well as in China and the US.

The French firm's revenue is approximately €30m, CMS said.

CMS CEO Frank Salmon (pictured) said: "We are delighted to welcome Avesta to the group. They have a great reputation for excellent customer service and product knowledge which perfectly complements CMS' values.

"Our French customers will gain access to an increased product portfolio, additional sales and marketing resources and more competitive offerings.

"We are very excited to offer our vendor partners new routes to market, allowing them to explore new business opportunities."

CMS said that Avesta will continue to operate under its current branding for the foreseeable future, with the existing management team remaining in place.

The French firm splits its capabilities into three areas on its website: navigation and driving assistance; sports and wellness; and connected home.

Its portfolio includes Jabra, Sony, Belkin and TomTom.

Avesta director Jeanluc Delaunay said: "We are excited to be part of a large global distribution business and CMS have certainly demonstrated their growth plans in recent years.

"It will be great to be able to leverage their systems, resources and some of their vendor partners going forward, so we can embark on this journey of growth together."