What Does TSB Consolidation Mean for Vendors? Channel Reacts to PlanetOne-Avant Deal

Avant‘s acquisition of PlanetOne continues to send shockwaves through the channel.

The companies last week announced the merger, which will bring Arizona-based PlanetOne under Chicago-based Avant’s brand. Partners have publicly responded with largely positive feedback to the deal, citing complementary skillsets of the companies. Suppliers of both companies agreed with the agents in a recent round of interviews with Channel Futures, citing geographical and operational fits.

Vendor channel leaders also spoke about how TSB consolidation impacts their outlook for the upcoming years. Many in the channel anticipate the number of national TSBs to decrease to a very small number – perhaps as low as three. Others predict the space to actually grow as super-agencies sign more direct agreements and traditional distributors expand their agent efforts. More and more vendors, including Cisco and Masergy, are turning to both multiple distribution routes to widen their partner bases. And other providers are weighing the pros and cons of joining a marketplace.

Several suppliers, as well as a couple of partners, weighed on how the deal impacts them and the wider industry. See our slideshow above.