Privately held IT training provider Global Knowledge has snapped up the EMEA training arm of Tech Data’s value add distribution arm Azlan for an undisclosed sum. The combined entity will cover 12 countries and boast annual sales of approximately US$100m.
“By acquiring Azlan Training we have a unique opportunity to redefine the competitive landscape in a fragmented IT training market,” said Bob Lewis, VP and managing director for Global Knowledge EMEA. “Joining forces with Azlan Training will enable us to offer a broader, comprehensive portfolio of courses, delivered reliably through an enhanced schedule and geared to suit all learning requirements.”
Nigel Pearson, European training director at Azlan Training, said: “Azlan Training has been very committed to providing sustainable, long-term value to our customers across Europe. By combining the strength and expertise of our people and offerings, customers can select from a broad range of pan-European IT training solutions they can rely on from a provider they can trust. We are thrilled to become part of Global Knowledge.”
Johannes Foerner, director at Microsoft Learning EMEA, said: “With the merger of Azlan Training and global Knowledge, Microsoft customers will be able to access a multitude of Microsoft Learning solutions across an enhanced European and global footprint.”
The deal makes Global Knowledge the largest Cisco learning solutions partner (CLSP) both worldwide and in Europe. The deal also created the largest Microsoft certified partner for learning solutions in Europe. While Tech Data Middle East recently launched Azlan as its value-added distribution operation in the region, no specific training arm was actually set up.
Joseph W. Cee, CEO and president at Global Knowledge, noted: “The acquisition of Azlan Training reinforces Global Knowledge’s commitment to the European market and enhances the company’s position as a premier, worldwide provider of IT training and enterprise learning solutions.”
“The scale created by this transaction will allow us to serve our corporate customers, students, and technology vendor partners with the broadest, deepest and most frequent schedule of public and private classroom and web-based IT instruction in the European theatre,” Cee concluded.
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