Dataflex's fate hangs on a knife's edge

Dataflex could be saved from liquidation as a bidder looks likely to put in an offer this week.

The 11th-hour rescue bid couldn't be a moment too soon, after administrator RSM Bird Cameron recommended liquidation at the upcoming second creditors meeting.

Administrator Frank Lo Pilato told CRN that his firm had intended to recommend liquidation because the offer had come outside of the timeline.

"Nothing came within time to offer our recommendation. If they come in on the 11th hour, we would need to adjourn the creditors meeting on 2 April."

But the bid looks like a solid thing, according to Dataflex's founder Brian Evans, who has been stood down during the administration but is closely monitoring the saga.

Evans called the rescue bid "seriously exciting".

He would not name the suitor, but said it was a "good company" that had acquired a few other companies recently.

"They have offices along the east coast. They are very innovative in what they are trying to do. Canberra would be a very good market for them. And they want to take all the staff."

It comes nearly a month after Dataflex filed for voluntary administration.

Before its fall into administration, Dataflex had been negotiating a sale to Indian outsourcing giant Tech Mahindra, which fell apart to the final hurdle.

It is understood that Tech Mahindra's offer was worth roughly $4 million and that the firm has remained in the frame as a potential buyer after Dataflex's fall into administration.

CRN has obtained the creditors report from the first creditors meeting on 7 March.

According to the report, creditors have laid claim to $9.7 million.

However, Evans stressed that he remained the largest creditor. According to the documents, he is owed $2.6 million, while Dianne Evans is owned $800,000 and Evans associated parties are owed $2.4 million.

Evans added: "The thing that isn't being taken into consideration is the debtors. There's quite a few million dollars of debtors that need to be worked on."

Other major creditor claims include Avnet, owed more than $300,000, CompNow ($114,158), Distribution Central ($228,816) and Synnex Australia ($696,707).