Computer 2000

Computer 2000 was Europe's leading provider of IT products to resellers between 1983 and its merger with Tech Data in 1998.

History

The company was founded in 1983 by German entrepreneur Axel Schultze. The company had $2.5 Million in sales in 1984, and expanded from Germany into other European countries by creating subsidiaries and acquiring local distributors. In the early 1990s, Computer 2000 expanded into Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Within 15 years, the company grew to 2,500 employees and roughly $5 Billion in sales before merging with US-based Tech Data in July 1998. The companies had similar philosophies and products, but acted in different geographic regions.

Computer 2000 in the UK

Computer 2000 has been operating in the UK and Ireland for over 25 years. Originating in 1983 as First Software, the company later changed name to Frontline Distribution Limited in 1988 and was subsequently acquired by Europe’s leading distributor: Munich-based Computer 2000 A.G.

In 1998, Tech Data acquired Computer 2000 to form one of the largest and most influential IT wholesale distributors worldwide. As the UK’s largest trade-only distributor of IT products, Computer 2000 employs roughly 550 people, supplies more than 10,000 customers and works with the leading vendors of IT products (including HP, Microsoft and Cisco, to name a few) to distribute over 30,000 products.

Aside from its successful core business, Computer 2000 is also focused upon developing its collection of specialists, which consists of Azlan (networking and infrastructure); Datech (design software); and Maverick (audio visual). Computer 2000 is also engaged in a mobility joint venture with fellow distributor Brightstar. Besides broadening the product portfolio, these divisions also provide a wealth of specialist knowledge and value-added services to resellers.

It has an interactive magazine called Newsflash, and can be read via www.tdnewsflash.co.uk As a result, Computer 2000 is a single point of purchase for resellers, providing access to a vast array of technology products, including networking devices; server and storage hardware; notebooks and desktop computers; printers and scanners; HD Televisions; cameras; peripheral products and accessories; power devices; operating systems and security; business intelligence; and other productivity software applications. These products are offered in conjunction with a comprehensive range of services, including innovative financing, technical training and industry events, along with scores of business development programs and productivity enhancing e-business tools designed to help the reseller operate their business more efficiently.

Computer 2000 may not be a household name – but by rights it should be. After all, its parent company, Tech Data, has higher revenues than Nike and Amazon, and is placed 105th in the Fortune 500 - higher than global brands like McDonalds. What’s more: Computer 2000 has been voted Number One in the industry for 11 out of the last 12 years

External links and references

• Company website
• Company magazine
• Welt Report
• SEC filing
• Merger approval by European Commission
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