ALSO Netherlands and Five4U will join forces and continue under one name. With the integration of Five4U, GrafiPlus and Esseko also become part of ALSO. The merger with Five4U enables ALSO to strengthen its brand and portfolio as well as its market share. ALSO is thus taking a new step towards achieving its mission: "to be the leading B2B IT platform in the Benelux".
The integration fits in with the MORE strategy (Maintain, Optimize, Reinvent, Enhance), which is aimed at sustainable and profitable growth. Bas Janssen, Chief Customer Officer ALSO Netherlands, says: "on the one hand, we protect the transactional business model and expand our Supply, Service and Solutions activities that contribute to our growth and revenue objectives. On the other hand, we are optimising and perfecting our processes with the successful implementation of SAP & Business Intelligence 2.0 and the commissioning of a new logistics centre in Nieuwegein that facilitates warehousing for various offices in the Benelux."
The integration of ALSO and Five4U have enabled ALSO to strengthen its brand. The cultures and brand values of both companies were successfully combined in a short period of time. According to Bas Janssen, "we now have a more complete, flexible and dynamic team at our disposal. ALSO has been renewed and our ambitious and personal brand values are put into practice every day. By listening carefully to the market and individual wishes, both externally and internally, we know what someone wants to achieve and we can deliver tailor-made solutions. ALSO is a personal partner for every customer."
The integration of distributors brings together twice 25 years of experience, network and know-how. The strong sales growth and market capitalisation (11.2% net profit growth in 2017) of the ALSO Group and its 4,000 employees across Europe provide confidence and increased decisiveness through easy ordering, real payment terms and tailor-made advice.
With ALSO as Microsoft Partner, Apple Authorized Distributor and Europe's largest HP distributor, the portfolio now comprises more than 250,000 articles, proactively offering solutions with pre-selected suppliers within each category.
The ALSO Cloud Marketplace also contributes to the ability to act. The privately owned cloud platform is an extensive online marketplace that enables centralized management of all customer activities, from activation to invoicing. It provides faster insight and saves time and money. In addition, own services of customers are added and the Marketplace can be delivered in the customer's own house style.