Despec enters France
2008-11-03
2007 was a restructuration year for Dutch supplies specialist Despec as it was purchased by Dubai Investment fund. Previously, the company had left many countries : it left DACH region in 2005 through an MBO of its German and Austrian subsidiaries. In 2006, it did the same in Scandinavia, through an MBO of its Nordic filials (Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) in favour of its Danish partner who now owns rights on Despec name in Baltic countries. It also seems, even though no comment was made by company managers, that it sold its Serbian subsidiary to BS Processor. It is now on the offensive again, as it opened last summer a subsidiary in France. This new subsidiary, managed by Carole Halnaut who was formerly working for competitor Dexxon, will be present on IT-Partners to introduce itself to French resellers. Funny thing is, Despec France will be a competitor of former Despec Netherlands manager Jean-Marie Lacroix, who recently purchased supplies distributor Pronto. Despec also announced that it planned to come back on German market next year, so this means it will then be in direct competition with its former subsidiary. An interesting game to follow...
New owner for Pronto
2008-07-28
France : as its owner Francis Barret retired, supply specialist Pronto Europe has been bought by former Despec MERA and Despec Benelux manager, Jean-Marie Lacroix. He kept 14 employees and plans to expand the company, helped by his son Aurélien who takes in charge sales and purchasing.
