ARN

Markinson marks growth strategy with more acquisitions

Reseller looks to acquire three companies by end of financial year

ISV turned reseller, Markinson Business Solutions, plans to acquire at least three companies by the end of the financial year.

The Brisbane-headquartered company wants to grow its presence in the market to become nationally recognised. Besides Brisbane, the company also has offices in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as two locations in New Zealand – Auckland and Wellington. It has more than 70 staff on its books.

CEO Ian Whiting said he wanted to diversify the company.

Markinson has been operating since the mid-1980s, predominantly as a software development company, providing business solutions for specific markets such as wholesales and distributors.

“About five years ago, we had a look at the company direction and what we wanted to do. We decided to grow the business significantly,” he said. “We’re deliberately targeting organisation that we think are similar to us.”

“We want to get noticed in the market place and attract good staff.”

Whiting said one of the key challenges of being a small business was attracting the right staff for the company.

“If you’ve got the right team on board, you can do great things,” he said. “Even with the economic crisis, it’s still difficult to find right people to hire.”

Recently, the company partnered up with Brennan IT to help tap into cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service, Whiting said.

Key vendors are Microsoft, Progress Software and Sage.

Markinson focuses on wholesale, distribution and retail market segments . “The strategy is to help extend and get new customers,” he said. “We’re looking to spread out.”

Whiting said acquiring companies has allowed the company to gain expertise in areas that would usually take years to gain.

“The business has been a solid performer for a number of years,” he said. “We’re on a strong growth and acquisition strategy. It’s good to be in that position.”

Markinson acquired CRM reseller Adexio in November. The acquisition was part of Markinson’s scheme to transform into a reseller business.

Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.

More about: Brennan, Brennan IT, Microsoft, Progress Software, Sage
References show all

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the ARN comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: adexio, Brennan IT, Markinson Business Solutions, Microsoft, Progress Software, sage
ARN Directory | Distributors relevant to this article
ASI Solutions , Bluechip Infotech , Compucon Computers , Dicker Data , Express Data , Express Online , ICT Distribution , Impact Systems Technology , Leader Computers , NewLease , Synnex Australia , Topstar Computer International , XiT Distribution , Xpress I.T.
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to ARN's news, research and invitation only events.
ARN Distributor Directory
Find distributors by name | vendor | location
Channel Deals
/deals/avg/213_avg-internet-security-3-pc-2-year-10-pack-reta
AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd

AVG Internet Security 2012 10 Pack Retail Specials

More details »
ARN Vendor Directory
Find vendors by name | category

iAsset is a channel management ecosystem that automates all major aspects of the entire sales,marketing and service process, including data tracking, integrated learning, knowledge management and product lifecycle management.