Avnet and IBM Celebrate 25 Years of Partnership
October 26, 2010
Avnet reaches milestone of $3 billion in IBM annual sales
SAN ANTONIO -- Global technology distributor Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have reached two significant milestones in their business relationship. Avnet and IBM have now been Business Partners for more than 25 years, collaborating on a global basis across all regions and in more than 30 countries. In addition, Avnet has reached $3 billion USD in annual sales of IBM technology solutions and services, generating greater than 20 percent growth year-over-year in IBM sales during Avnet's fiscal year 2010. Global leadership from Avnet and IBM will celebrate these achievements today, along with approximately 350 channel partners, at an annual conference hosted by the Avnet Technology Solutions operating group in San Antonio, Texas. At the Avnet Technology Solutions - IBM Partner Summit, the companies will acknowledge how they have worked closely together to leverage their global strengths, scale and scope to create a competitive advantage through strong business alignment for IBM's channel of value-added reseller Business Partners.
"We continue to invest in helping our channel partners deepen skills, deliver value to clients, and pursue new opportunities for growth," said Rich Hume, general manager of IBM's Global Business Partner and Midmarket Organization. "We see that commitment to growth reflected in Avnet's resources and programs that they have developed to help IBM Business Partners sell complete solutions that meet the business needs of IBM's customers worldwide. Many of these programs are among the industry best practices for our channel."
Avnet and IBM's Business Partner relationship has grown significantly over the past 25 years, both geographically and financially. For example, Avnet expanded its IBM Business Partner relationship beyond North America to include six countries in EMEA in 1997. Avnet further increased the global footprint of its IBM relationship in 2007 to include the Asia Pacific region, acquiring Azure Technologies. Over the past decade, Avnet has more than doubled its IBM business in North America, and Avnet significantly expanded its reach into Latin America with IBM when it acquired Tallard Technologies in 2010. Avnet's Business Partner relationship with IBM spans four regions: North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.
"Together, Avnet and IBM are creating a smarter channel that has the skills and resources needed to become trusted advisors to IBM's end customers by providing complete industry-focused business solutions," said Tony Madden, global supplier business executive, Avnet Technology Solutions. "I want to thank IBM and our channel partners for the past 25 years of accomplishments and dedication, and I expect the next 25 years of our Business Partner relationship to be even more remarkable."
"Our success wouldn't be possible without the commitment and investments IBM has made to develop and grow Avnet's channel partners," said Fred Cuen, general manager and senior vice president, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, IBM Solutions group. "We've collaborated closely to expand the skills and solutions offerings our partners take to market, while accelerating our partners' long-term success in emerging high-growth markets."
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About Avnet Technology Solutions
As a global IT solutions distributor, Avnet Technology Solutions collaborates with its customers and suppliers to create and deliver effective solutions that address the business challenges of their end-user customers locally and around the world. For fiscal year 2010, the group served customers in more than 70 countries and generated US $8.19 billion in annual revenue. Avnet Technology Solutions (www.ats.avnet.com) is an operating group of Avnet, Inc.
About Avnet
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended July 3, 2010, Avnet generated revenue of $19.16 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.
Contacts
Brodeur Partners, for Avnet
Sonia Bovio
602-224-4048
sbovio@brodeur.com
