Bechtle Group expands footprint in the Netherlands

• Axez ICT Solutions B.V. to join the Bechtle Group
• Bechtle continues to pursue international acquisition strategy
• Cloud specialist Axez ICT Solutions to be merged into Bechtle subsidiary PQR

Bechtle AG is taking the next step in its strategy of international acquisitions, ramping up its market presence in the Netherlands with a further IT system house. The latest purchase, Axez ICT Solutions B.V. is specialised in hybrid IT environments and cloud solutions, building up the competences of Dutch IT service provider PQR, which the Bechtle Group acquired in May. First established in 2009, Axez is firmly embedded in the market and has a broad customer base in the Netherlands. In the past fiscal year, its 22 employees have generated revenues in the amount of 17 million euros. Located in Rijswijk near Den Haag, the company’s activities centre on its capabilities as a certified Platinum Partner of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Aruba, and in particular its outstanding expertise in the fast growing business with HPE GreenLake. Axez is set to be fully incorporated into PQR, bringing with it 13 years of market experience, and with its current executive management taking on leading roles under the new brand.

Following the recent acquisition of PQR B.V. in May 2022, Bechtle further expanded its international presence and strengthened its foothold in the market with another company acquired in the Netherlands. Axez will inject a great deal of experience and highly competent and certified experts in the areas of complex IT infrastructures and hybrid cloud solutions. The workforce within the Bechtle Group’s IT System House segment in the Netherlands thus climbs to 200 people across the Utrecht and Rijswijk sites. Axez’ founder and managing director, René van Dop remains with the company, in particular to continue developing its business with HPE solutions.

“The acquisition of Axez adds tremendous experience and know-how to our existing team, enabling us to deliver tailored cloud solutions for our customers,” says Marijke Kasius, managing director of PQR. “In particular the Axez-developed and ultra-reliable data centre solution is very promising, as it integrates perfectly with our own Spacehub concept for existing customer infrastructures and public cloud services.

Building on a strong presence in the Netherlands
“Axez is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our position in the attractive Dutch market with a very experienced and well-established team. PQR will therefore become an even bigger player in the future market of hybrid cloud solutions,” says Konstantin Ebert, Executive Vice President, France, Benelux, and United Kingdom, Bechtle E-Commerce Holding AG.

Bechtle has been active in the Dutch market since 1998, initially with the e-commerce subsidiary, Bechtle direct, but also since 2006 with ARP and since 2007 with Buyitdirect. Last year, the CAD/PLM specialist Cadmes B.V. was also added to the fold. Together with PQR—and now also Axez—the Bechtle Group has a network spanning the Netherlands’ western economic areas from Maastricht to Eindhoven, ’s-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht and Hoofddorp near Amsterdam, as well as Rijswijk near Den Haag. Thus, the Bechtle Group now employs some 740 staff in the Netherlands.

As is usual, the purchase price and conditions remain confidential.