Maidenhead, UK and Cary, NC - 14 March 2006 -- Global Knowledge announced
today that it has completed the acquisition of Azlan Training from publicly
quoted TechData Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD). The merger of Global Knowledge's
European operations with those of Azlan Training will establish Global
Knowledge as Europe's largest IT training provider. The combined business
will operate in 12 countries and generate revenues of approximately $100
million USD. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As a result of the transaction Global Knowledge will become the largest
Cisco Learning Solutions Partner (CLSP) both worldwide and in Europe and the
largest Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions in Europe.
Joseph W. Cece, Chief Executive Officer and President of Global Knowledge,
noted, "the acquisition of Azlan Training reinforces Global Knowledge's
commitment to the European market and enhances the company's position as
premier, world-wide 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."
"By acquiring Azlan Training we have a unique opportunity to re-define the
competitive landscape in a fragmented IT training market," noted Bob Lewis
Vice President 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."
"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," said Johannes Foerner, Director,
Microsoft Learning EMEA.
"Azlan Training has been very committed to providing sustainable, long-term
value to our customers across Europe," commented Nigel Pearson, European
Training Director, Azlan Training. "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 global provider
they can trust. We are thrilled to become part of Global Knowledge."
The combined company will operate under the Global Knowledge brand in
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands,
Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.
About Global Knowledge
Global Knowledge is the largest privately held provider of training,
enterprise learning services, and software solutions for information
technology (IT) and management professionals. The company offers a broad
array of hands-on IT, project management, and professional skills training
featuring proprietary core and custom curriculum as well as content from
leading companies, including Cisco, Microsoft, Nortel, Oracle, and Red Hat.
Delivered in classrooms, at private facilities, or over the Internet, Global
Knowledge has helped Fortune 500 companies, organizations and government
agencies leverage learning to turn knowledge into productivity for
employees, customers, and channel partners. Through the organization's
OnDemand Software Division, Global Knowledge also offers comprehensive
software solutions that enable rapid user adoption and accelerate return on
investment of enterprise application implementations. Founded in 1995,
Global Knowledge is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina and has
international headquarters in London. The company is owned by New York-based
investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. For more information,
visit www.globalknowledge.com or www.globalknowledge.co.uk
About Tech Data
Azlan, the Enterprise Division of Tech Data Corporation, is the leading
value-added distributor of networking, servers, storage and enterprise
software and services in Europe and the Middle East. In addition to enabling
fast and cost-effective distribution for market leaders such as Cisco
Systems, HP, Nortel, Oracle and IBM, Azlan provides a variety of
value-creating services, which include channel development, project sales
support, VAR marketing campaigns and finance programs. The new Azlan
combines the successful business entities of TD Midrange and Azlan, which
Tech Data acquired in 2003.
Founded in 1974, Tech Data (NASDAQ:TECD) is a leading distributor of IT
products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. Tech Data
generated $20.6 billion in sales for the last four quarters reported, which
ended October 31, 2005. To learn more, visit www.azlan.com or
www.techdata.com
US Press Contact: EMEA Press Contact:
Brandon Bryce Eleanor Pinkerton
Global Knowledge Global Knowledge
T: +1 919 623-0620 T: +44 (0) 20 7240 6959
brandon[at]largemouthpr.com Eleanor.pinkerton[at]portfoliocomms.com
Global Knowledge EMEA Contact: Azlan Contact:
Bob Lewis Nigel Pearson
Global Knowledge Azlan Training
T: +44 1628 594718 T: +44 118 912 1858
Bob.Lewis[at]globalknowledge.co.uk Nigel.Pearson[at]azlantraining.com