Melbourne hardware and software reseller Digiworld will close its physical store and retail business, as well as cut staff, after its assets were sold off to a fellow channel player.
The directors of integrator Envisian, Ian Pearce and David Robinson, purchased Digiworld's assets – including the customer list and the brand name. The registered business behind Digiworld, PML Computer Centre, was not acquired in the deal and its fate remains unknown.
"The directors of Envisian have purchased Digiworld for its SMB clientele," said Shane Lyell, director of sales for Envisian. "We're very aware of the impact on Digiworld customers."
Lyell declined to comment on how much the purchase was worth. The transaction means the retail business of Digiworld will be abandoned and the physical store will close. The Digiworld brand will now focus solely on B2B sales.
"Traditionally we have been in the business of data centre transformation – converged infrastructure," Lyell told CRN. "But this acquisition gives us access to customers who buy notebooks and PCs... And an SMB market to take to the cloud."
Managing director of PML Computer Centre, Dr Tony Moussa, had 10 staff working under him at the time of sale. A spokesperson told CRN that two employees will be retained permanently, with another two staying on temporarily for six months to assist in the transition.
PML-owned Digiworld had been in the Australian channel for three decades, selling hardware, accessories, networking and business software. Moussa was motivated to sell with retirement on his mind.
"I value and respect our Digiworld customers and am grateful for the relationships we have built and the success we have enjoyed since establishing the company in 1995," said Moussa.
Envisian is based in the Melbourne CBD with 45 staff. Lyell told CRN that the firm was trading in its fourth year under the current name, having been known as PPR Solutions for about seven years in a former life.
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