Tech Data France Acquires Soft Europe SA, Expands Presence in CAD/Graphics Market

CLEARWATER, Fla., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech Data France SAS, a subsidiary of Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD), today announced the acquisition of Paris-based Soft Europe SA, a privately held distributor of CAD/graphics software to technology resellers and solution providers throughout France. Terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in 1996, Soft Europe generated revenue of 11.4 million Euros ($12.3 million) during its 2002 fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. The acquisition exemplifies Tech Data's continued expansion into specialized markets with superior growth potential.

Soft Europe's primary business focuses on Autodesk(R) software products, including AutoCAD(R), the world's leading general design application. Soft Europe is also the sole French market distributor of AutoCAD LT, the only professional 2D CAD program that delivers communication and collaboration tools, productivity tools, and 100% DWG compatibility with 2002-based products. Soft Europe's offering also includes Building Design Solutions from Autodesk that address vertical market engineering and architectural design requirements among other specialized needs -- a diverse selection of popular products being made available to Tech Data France customers for the first time.

"Soft Europe brings a unique value-added dimension to our French operations," commented Steven A. Raymund, Tech Data's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The acquisition is consistent with Tech Data's global strategy to continually expand into higher-margin segments that further diversify our product mix and profit potential."

"Tech Data clearly represents the future of IT distribution," remarked Jean-Pierre Koskas, managing director of Soft Europe. "Their advantages not only include superior financial strength and impressive in-country customer service and support, but also an international leadership position that is increasingly important within the IT industry. This is a great combination for Soft Europe as well as its customers, who can now conveniently access Tech Data France's broad product offering."

"The acquisition also signifies a win for our existing customers," added Alain Amsellem, managing director of Tech Data France, noting that Soft Europe will continue for the time being to serve its customers from the company's Paris location. "We look forward to building on the value-added business model that Soft Europe has refined over the past six years - including the deep relationships they have developed with Autodesk and resellers specializing in CAD/graphics solutions."

Didier Cocherel, general manager for France and Africa Francophone of Autodesk, described the acquisition as "a perfect fit" with the vendor's channel strategy. "This decision will give us access to a significant number of additional specialized resellers who can help us effectively market our products."

About Tech Data:

Tech Data France SAS is a subsidiary of Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD), a leading global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services. Founded in 1974 and currently ranked 117th on the Fortune 500, Tech Data and its subsidiaries serve more than 100,000 technology resellers in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Tech Data's extensive service offering includes pre- and post-sale training and technical support, financing options and configuration services as well as a full range of award-winning electronic commerce solutions. The company generated sales of $15.9 billion for the past four quarters reported, which ended October 31, 2002.

www.techdata.com

 

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