News

Oakville, ON – June 27, 2011 - BlueRange Technology, a leader in information technology and virtualization solutions, and a subsidiary of Xchange Technology Group, announced today that it has acquired specific assets of Mainline Canada, a provider of comprehensive information technology solutions.  BlueRange has acquired Mainline’s portfolio of IBM clients and contracts with the exception of its IBM System z or mainframe related assets.  

“This acquisition further enhances our reach, depth, and commitment to our customers in the area of Enterprise Storage, and Server solutions” said Jeff Archer, Vice president of Sales and Business Development. “By broadening BlueRange’s solution portfolio, we move one step ahead in delivering world-class technology solutions to our customers.”

This move creates a significant new growth opportunity by leveraging the strengths of both organizations to BlueRange’s customer base, providing them with additional value and technical expertise.

Frankfurt, Germany – June 15, 2011 – Xchange Technology Group (XTG), a global leader in IT asset and technology lifecycle management, announced today that it has acquired the assets of Livingston Electronic Services GmbH, a European business providing short-term rental solutions for IT and Audio Visual products. The purchase and integration with XTG’s Hamilton Rentals business in the UK will create Europe’s largest short-term IT rental business. XTG’s global footprint will now include 21 facilities in 9 countries and includes two new facilities in Germany – Frankfurt and Cologne.

Jeff McFarlane, President and CEO of Xchange Technology Group commented “The acquisition of Livingston adds another market-leading computer rental business to the group and provides XTG with greatly enhanced coverage in European markets.” McFarlane also added “We’re also thrilled with the addition of the senior leadership team from Livingston and their in-depth knowledge of the computer rental and event industries.”

Martin O’Connor, Managing Director of Hamilton Rentals, commented: “This is a unique opportunity for the two largest IT rental and asset management companies in Europe to join forces to produce a true pan-European organization. This combination provides XTG with the unique ability to provide value to our customers and business partners on a broad, international basis. There’s surprisingly little duplication across the two organizations and it will provide many opportunities for cross-selling within the merged entity.”

Siegbert Franz, Managing Director of Livingston, agreed: “This is a fantastic opportunity to take the business to a new level. The resources, offerings and reach of XTG, and the existing presence of Hamilton Rentals in Europe provides a completely unique platform for growth. Everyone at Livingston is very excited about the future of the company within the Xchange Technology Group.”

Oakville, ON – February 24, 2011 – BlueRange Technology, a leader in information technology and virtualization solutions, announced today the appointment of Jeff Archer as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Archer joins the team in a leadership role and will focus on the continued growth of the overall BlueRange business in North America. Archer will be located in the Oakville, Ontario head office reporting, to Jeff McFarlane, President and CEO of the Xchange Technology Group.

Archer brings over 20 years of executive sales leadership experience to BlueRange and most recently was the Canadian Vice President of Sales for the Personal Systems Group at Hewlett Packard. According to BlueRange’s CEO, Jeff McFarlane, “Jeff Archer’s experience in the mid-market and public sector will be a real asset to BlueRange and Xchange Technology Group”. Additionally McFarlane commented “We look forward to continued growth under Jeff’s leadership and expansion of both our domestic and international footprint.”

When asked about his decision to join BlueRange Archer said “XTG is a progressive, fast-paced and entrepreneurial company. I'm elated to be joining this growth company.” And with respect to the marketplace, “2011 is going to be an exciting year for the IT sector. This year, business will embrace new and innovative technologies and computing alternatives as a way to drive growth and profitability. Whether it's virtualization, mobile solutions, lifecycle management, or data management, BlueRange is well-positioned to serve its customers and partners in North America".

Raleigh, North Carolina - Jan 4, 2011 – Xchange Technology Group, a global leader in IT asset and technology lifecycle management, announced today that it has acquired Hamilton Rentals Limited, a UK based business providing unrivalled flexibility in IT demo and short-term rental solutions. The all-share purchase will create one of the world’s largest short-term IT businesses through XTG’s global footprint of 19 facilities in 8 countries.

“The addition of Hamilton Rentals will significantly enhance XTG’s value proposition to our partners - both customers and vendors. Our ability to provide solutions at a global level is greatly enhanced.” commented Jeff McFarlane, President and CEO of Xchange Technology Group. “Prior to the acquisition, XTG through its operating units, has led the North American market in demo and short-term rental solutions. The addition of Hamilton Rentals instantly positions XTG as the only short-term IT rental company with global reach. This acquisition also adds real expertise in the Unix server market.” McFarlane added.

“The combination of XTG and Hamilton Rentals is extremely exciting. Both companies are acknowledged as clear market leaders in their respective geographies; and the new organization has massive market presence and recognition from day one.” commented Martin O’Connor, Managing Director of Hamilton Rentals. “There are a number of cross-selling opportunities and benefits of scale that will have an impact immediately, as well as mid-term expansion for EMEA region and beyond. The management team at Hamilton Rentals is very enthusiastic about the new opportunities afforded by this acquisition.” O’Connor added.

Hamilton Rentals Chairman John Unsworth commented, “This is excellent news for both companies’ staff, customers and trading partners. The combination of expertise, market coverage and scale will produce unparalleled global capabilities in short-term technology solutions.” Unsworth added, “There is an excellent cultural fit between the two organizations at all levels; and I firmly believe that we are very well positioned for significant growth.”

Oakville, ON Nov 18, 2010 – PartStock Computer, a leader in technology lifecycle solutions for the education market, announced today the appointment of Mauro Sinagoga as Director of Sales, PartStock Canada.  Mauro will be responsible for developing and implementing an aggressive growth plan for PartStock in Canada and will report to David Hoeffel, General Manager of PartStock Computer.

Mauro brings an exceptional record of successful technology sales, business development, and vendor management at major vendor and channel organizations over his 24 year career in the Canadian IT industry.  Mauro most recently spent 9 years at MDG Computers where he launched and managed the Corporate, Education & Government business unit.  Prior to MDG, he held progressive management roles with Epson, Microdyne Corporation, and Viking Components

“We are pleased to have a seasoned and experienced professional like Mauro join in a leadership role on the PartStock team”, commented PartStock General Manager, David Hoeffel.  “Mauro brings exceptional depth and breadth of market knowledge and trusted relationships and will be instrumental in growing the PartStock business in the Canadian K-12 and post-secondary education markets”, added Hoeffel.

“PartStock has a proven success formula of high customer touch, demonstrated customer value, and long term partnerships in the U.S. education markets and I’m excited to be leading the team to deliver the same success formula in the Canadian region”, commented Mauro Sinagoga.  “Canadian education customers continue to look for the highest value for their computing budgets and the PartStock model offers just that”, Sinagoga added.

Raleigh, NC (USA) – June 1, 2010 – Xchange Technology Group, a global leader in IT asset and technology lifecycle management, announced today that it has been awarded the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher designation.  The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program is designed to allow large IT channel organizations to deliver genuine preinstalled Microsoft software licenses to their customers on re-manufactured or refurbished systems they sell.

“Our customers will see the immediate benefit from access to qualified refurbished PC’s with a current and legitimate operating system license pre-installed; allowing XTG customers access to downloads, updates or other enhanced features of the OS”, commented Dan Stefkovich, Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Business Development at XTG

The Program creates a strong market differentiator for qualified OEM Refurbishers beyond being able to offer authentic Microsoft software on systems; through ongoing engagement with a Microsoft account manager, additional revenue opportunities, and heightened market recognition as an authorized Microsoft business partner.

“Xchange Technology Group has always been committed to providing the highest quality refurbished products to our customers.  The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher qualification is just one more continuing improvement in our overall product quality”, added Jeff McFarlane, President and CEO of Xchange Technology Group.

Oakville, ON Dec 15, 2009 – BlueRange Technology, a leader in information technology and VDI solutions, announced today the appointment of Jody Zedor as Vice President, Sales and Business Development. Jody joins the team in a leadership role and will focus on the continued growth of the overall BlueRange business in North America.  Jody will be located in the Oakville, Ontario head office reporting, to Jeff McFarlane, President and CEO of the Xchange Technology Group.

Jody Zedor brings a proven record as an expert sales leader and business developer over the past 20 years; with a career comprised of leadership roles at corporate end-user and channel sales within the IT vendor and reseller space. His tenure involved positions at various manufacturers and distribution channels including Hewlett-Packard, GE Capital IT Solutions, and Dell Canada.  Just prior to joining BlueRange Technology Jody was Director of Sales, Central Region, at HP Canada where he led a team of sales and service professionals that were focused on the needs of channel business partners, plus commercial SMB customers across the entire HP portfolio.

“Jody is an excellent addition to the executive team at BlueRange Technology and brings with him a comprehensive understanding of IT solutions and the mid-market customer segment” commented Jeff McFarlane, President & CEO.  ”His experience in both the Systems Integrator and Vendor roles provides him a unique perspective that will be insightful as he leads the expansion BlueRange Technology in North America” McFarlane added.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to join such a well managed, and growth orientated company. The opportunities that lie ahead for BlueRange Technology are endless. The company is uniquely positioned to capitalize on Data Center server/storage consolidation and virtualization opportunities, as well as Virtual Desktop and Networking opportunities in this fast growing marketplace” commented Zedor.

Raleigh, NC, May 1, 2009 – Xchange Technology Group takes another step towards becoming the world’s largest provider of flexible and cost-effective lifecycle management programs for IT assets, with the acquisition of PartStock Computer LLC of Minneapolis, MN.

 Established in 1994, PartStock Computer is well-known for providing exceptional service to their educational customer base including K-12, college and university, and business customers. At the core of PartStock's foundation is the company's enduring commitment to customer service combined with a proven record delivering quality technology solutions. This profoundly customer-centric business model is congruent with XTG’s commitment to excellence globally, and is a clear demonstration of PartStock’s fit within the XTG organization.

 PartStock will represent the fourth strategic business unit along side XTG’s three existing companies: IT Xchange, BlueRange Technology, and Vernon Computer Source. Combining PartStock’s inventory with the extensive inventory in XTG’s six distribution centers worldwide will allow the companies to offer their clients significantly increased product selection. This will increase their competitive edge in the marketplace and accelerate XTG’s future growth in the global marketplace with PartStock as a significant contributor in that growth.

 “On behalf of the entire PartStock employee family we welcome the opportunity to be part of the Xchange Technology Group of companies” states PartStock’s GM, Dave Hoeffel. “Being joined with XTG will enable PartStock to significantly increase our ability to deliver enhanced customer service and computer technology value to our customers.”

Asked to comment on the acquisition, Jeff McFarlane, XTG’s CEO, says: “The team at Partstock is well-known to XTG and will be a fantastic addition to the group. Their high performance culture and strong customer service orientation, combined with the resources and global reach of XTG will greatly enhance the breadth and depth of offerings that XTG can collectively deliver to the customers of Partstock. We are particularly excited about the broader offering that Partstock will be positioned to deliver in terms of products from IBM, Lenovo, Apple and leading-edge solutions like desktop virtualization.”