Computacenter’s US expansion has proved to be a “masterstroke”, an analyst has asserted as its market value topped £4bn for the first time.
The LSE-listed giant’s shares hit new highs yesterday as a trading update brought news of continued success in the US – where it has built up a lucrative hustle around hyperscaler datacentre deployments.
Computacenter’s Q1 results were “well above our expectations”, the Hatfield-based reseller and services juggernaut said.
“Group Technology Sourcing revenue increased particularly strongly, primarily driven by hyperscale customers in both North America and the UK,” it stated.
The bullish update comes after Computacenter’s annual 2025 sales powered up 32% to nudge £13bn, with its number of major customers (namely those generating over £1m of gross profit annually) growing from 188 to 215.
With the exception of Nordic peer Atea and the newly merged SoftwareOne-Crayon, Computacenter is the only major listed VAR featured below that has seen its market value climb over the last 12 months amid the tough economic backdrop.
Market value of major listed VARs in £bn (as of 25 April, 2026)
Design by Doug Woodburn
Computacenter’s fortunes have been supercharged in recent years by a North American expansion drive that has seen it acquire FusionStorm, Pivot, Business IT Source and – most recently – AgreeYa.
Its globe-trotting antics are a source of personal pride for CEO Mike Norris, who recently said he gets “a kick” out of being the “largest VAR in California”.
Graham Charlton, the CEO of LSE-listed peer, Softcat, in October mooted the possibility of US M&A activity, saying “I think we could be a terrific owner for a business like that in the States”.
“A success few European companies have achieved”
Talking to IT Channel Oxygen, Canalys Founder and Informa Fellow Steve Brazier said Computacenter’s US move “has proved a masterstroke”.
“It represents an international success that few European companies have achieved,” he said.
“Computacenter is picking up its slice of the massive $890bn datacentre capex spending that will happen this year (66% in US). Few other partners have the skills to compete at this scale.”
According to a gathering of 15 leaders from top UK channel partners last Wednesday, the memory crunch that is fuelling kit shortages could continue until 2030.
Despite this, Computacenter said it now expects to deliver full-year results that are “comfortably ahead” of market expectations (analysts previously felt it was on for FY 2026 adjusted pre-tax profits of £291.3m).
“This momentum feels sure to continue through 2027, and probably beyond that too,” Brazier agreed.
