Remarkable IT transactions Q1 2011

Transactions that have taken place in the first quarter are in the line of actual acquisition trends in the ICT Market. What we see is:

Accelerated consolidation in the server, storage and security software market

Interest in secure data storage and image solutions in remote (cloud) DC network environments is enormous. According to the latest research from Gartner, the market for external disk-based storage systems grew in 2010 and thus returned to the level of 2008.

The top 5 global players compete at the cutting edge with each other (Dell, HP, EMC, IBM, NetApp). Adjustments in the distribution channel usually follow fast and also have implications for the market positions of distributors, resellers and system integrators.

New combinations in the mid-size ERP market

Infor (with Golden Gate as PE) launched in mid-March a bid for Lawson. Further consolidation in the mid-size ERP market is unavoidable this year. Other strategic players like UNIT 4 and SAGE are on the lookout for specific market segments, but private equity also takes part in this acquisition game. KKR for example acquired VISMA not too long ago (Accountview and DBS have also been added in NL) from Hg Capital who in their turn started a new adventure investing in TeamSystem for a high price.

Acquisitions growth in the ICT infrastructure services market

ICT infrastructure service companies are very popular with strategic buyers at the moment. Particularly those addressing the need for consultancy, implementation of solutions around mobility, the new way of working and cloud computing.

Size and volume play a big role for making an acquisition offer to larger companies. So there is an opportunity for IT companies in the segment 500 - 1000 employees where relatively few players operate in the Netherlands.

Remarkably, further:

News about Apple and Google in the press, often about the threat of monopoly both in terms of apps and adds distribution, but also to challenge their patents, etc.
Microsoft continues to stay ahead in its core office software but is losing ground on other areas against Apple and Google
The battle between telecom operators and Apple and Google. Who is in charge and who earns the big money?
The war between the telecom operators themselves with among the latest a bid from AT&T for T-Mobile USA. If the competition authorities approve this new international acquisitions in the telecom sector will follow.
M&A dynamics in the cable and media sectors (acquisitions Liberty Media, Time Warner Music Group for sale, also Universal being sold to Comcast, EMI owned by Citi now, etc.)

The comeback of the big accounting firms in IT Consultancy (KPMG purchasing EquaTerra)

Links:

HP takes over BI company Vertica
http://www.automatiseringgids.nl/markt-monitor/champions-league/2011/12/hp-neemt-bi-firma-vertica-over.aspx
For English, follow Google translate link

Vodafone takes over belcompany
http://www.channelweb.nl/nieuws.jsp?id=3850162&utm_campaign=nieuwsbrief&utm_
For English, follow Google translate link

Simac has her eyes on Phobos
http://www.computable.nl/artikel/ict_topics/erp/3848286/1276992/simac-heeft-phobos-in-het-vizier.html
For English, follow Google translate link

Megamerger T-mobile en AT&T
http://www.fd.nl/artikel/21733995/timing-amerikaanse-telecomdeal-perfect
http://www.channelweb.nl/nieuws.jsp?id=3845814
For English, follow Google translate link

Vivenda sign LOI takeover Applisive
http://www.fd.nl/artikel/21683807/vivenda-tekent-intentieverklaring-overname-applisive
For English, follow Google translate link

Infor takes over Lawson
http://www.computable.nl/artikel/ict_topics/cloud_computing/3828497/2333364/infor-wil-branchegenoot-lawson-overnemen.html
For English, follow Google translate link

Netapp buys storage division LSI corporation
http://www.channelworld.nl/nieuws/39133/netapp-koopt-storage-divisie-van-lsi-corporation.html
For English, follow Google translate link

Nobel incorporates document Group europe
http://www.automatiseringgids.nl/markt-monitor/nederland/2011/9/nobel-incorporeert-document-groep-europe.aspx
For English, follow Google translate link

Western digital buys hitachi storage division
http://www.channelworld.nl/nieuws/39115/western-digital-koopt-hitachi-s-disk-storage-divisie.html
For English, follow Google translate link

Vision IT group acquires SPS Consulting
http://www.visionitgroup.com/uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=102&cntnt01origid=53&cntnt01returnid=53
For English, follow Google translate link