First Distribution has announced the merger of its Security and Wireless Networking channel divisions with Phoenix Distribution's Security and Wireless Networking divisions, to form a new channel player, First for Phoenix.

The companies are joining forces and combining their portfolios within these divisions to create a specialist distribution entity with a primary focus around the relevant products within the group.

The move will enable them to combine their resources to bring quality, cost effective products and systems to their customers, and provide even better service through individual vendor and customer-focused product managers.

"All channel business from the two entities in the security and wireless sectors will fall under this banner. Phoenix Distribution will focus solely on the retail side, with box product of software as well as accessories, covering everything except resellers, into brick and mortar as well as online stores," explains Simon Campbell-Young, CEO of Phoenix Distribution.

The vast electronic software distribution business will span both the channel and the retail side of the business.

Debbie Abrahall, CEO of First Distribution, says: "Moving forward, channel and retail customers in South Africa and throughout the African continent will benefit from product and cost improvements that will result from this merger of two leading technology distributors."

The two companies serve both domestic and international customer bases with top products and solutions, including Kaspersky, McAfee, Krone (now known as Commscope), Cyberoam, GFI, Acronis, Stratus, Ruckus, TP-Link and D-Link.

"Combining the products and solutions of the two businesses will be a win for the marketplace by offering more affordable and reliable products and systems in one place," adds Abrahall.

With several offices across Africa and the UK, the new company will be able to better serve more customers with its best-of-breed solutions. "Having a wider range of highly experienced employees from both companies will also provide a platform for improved support to customers," says Campbell-Young.
"There will be a dedicated team offering specific focus to customers and vendors."

"We are very pleased to be uniting the strengths of First Distribution and Phoenix Distribution," adds Abrahall. "By sharing our value-added services, best practices, ideas and opportunities, First for Phoenix will be able to offer better programmes and additional support to our partners."