Tech Data's STG Buy Strengthens Data Center Offering

**Editor’s Note: Please click here for a recap of the biggest channel-impacting mergers in Q1 2015.**

Distributor Tech Data is buying Signature Technology Group (STG), which provides data-center and professional services throughout North America. STG’s services will be included in Tech Data’s Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) division, which is the company’s data-center business in the Americas.

Clearwater, Florida-based Tech Data says the acquisition not only improves its data-center offering, but also diversifies its service portfolio and adds value for its customers.

STG’s data-center services are designed for solution providers who sell across all verticals. The company’s partner-led IT professional services deploy technology physically and virtually, and include cloud assessments and migrations. STG’s team holds certifications across 23 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and its technicians support more than 300,000 devices in North America.

“STG will complement our AIS offering, giving our solution providers an extension of their business and service levels for their end users,” said Chuck Bartlett, senior vice president, AIS, at Tech Data. “Their specialized, expert skillset in the data center will help provide enhanced support for our field organization, better equipping our solution providers to effectively serve complex data center environments.”

Tech Data says STG already has trusted relationships with some of the distributor’s strategic channel partners. And there’s little doubt that opportunity is ripe for partners. IDC predicts that over the next two years, more than three in five companies will stop managing their IT infrastructure and rely on qualified service partners to boost efficiency and provide value.

The purchase price was not disclosed. Look for the deal to close early next month.

STG was founded in Phoenix in 1990. Charles Layne, president and chief executive officer, will assume the role of president, Signature Technology Group at Tech Data.

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