Exclusive Networks has announced the acquisition of South Africa-based cyber security distributor Networks Unlimited, in a move that helps establish a sub-Saharan presence for the business.
Headquartered in Centurion, Networks Unlimited is a major regional value-added distributor that serves 38 national markets in Africa with cyber security and infrastructure solutions.
The company becomes Exclusive Networks’ first foray into sub-Saharan Africa, as it looks to build vendor and reseller partner opportunities in the region.
"This is the perfect acquisition for us in Africa – I’m pleased to welcome Networks Unlimited into the global Exclusive family and believe this brings a host of benefits and opportunities to all our partners," commented Jesper Trolle, Exclusive Networks CEO.
"There are strong synergies in our cultures, value propositions and vendor portfolios, which extend our global partnerships with Fortinet, SentinelOne, F5 and many others.”
A presence in the African IT distribution market for more than 27 years, Networks Unlimited has additional operations in Kenya and Mauritius, and deals with partners across a total of 38 African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.
“As well as filling in more of the global map with Exclusive Networks’ presence, we see enormous potential in the broader African market that we can now serve from offices throughout the continent and our regional logistics hub in UAE, and which complements our established business in North Africa," Trolle added.
Networks Unlimited’s managing director, Anton Jacobsz, as well as co-founders, Craig Copeland and Wayne Bird, remain shareholders and will continue to manage the business. The company will operate under the Exclusive Networks brand from early 2022 and will form part of an enlarged Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, headed by regional director Nathan Clements.
"This is great news for our staff and all our customers and partners. It’s not the end of our journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter where we can accomplish so much more with the global reach and resources of Exclusive Networks," said Anton Jacobsz, managing director of Networks Unlimited.
"I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the region to extend our partner offer, particularly around services, and to continue the high standards our customers are accustomed to.”
