Chiltern IT Parts has vowed to lead consolidation of the fragmented spare parts distribution market by snapping up channel rivals that have failed to invest in next-generation IT systems.

The HP Authorised Part Partner (APP) has not made an acquisition in its 25-year history, but is now hunting for targets that can widen its brand portfolio. Dell and IBM specialists currently top the firm’s wish-list.

Graham Nye, marketing director at Chiltern IT Parts, said: “When I took over two-and-a-half years ago I was hamstrung by our IT infrastructure. We’ve since invested £200,000 in our IT system, which has given us a scalable base to ramp up volume and take on other brands.

“We’re now well set up to distribute a high volume of parts on a daily basis and will look to acquire companies struggling to invest in their own infrastructure.”

Nye emphasised that Chiltern, which supplies resellers and maintenance specialists, can draw on the £7m balance sheet of parent company Anamax Group.

Kristian O’Connor, sales director at HP and IBM reseller AN4 Group, said: “It would make perfect sense for a UK-based spare parts distributor to make an investment in the UK. EET is massive but is based in Denmark and only has a few staff in the UK.”